Community
15 November, 2024
Volunteers recognised with awards
VOLUNTEERS from across the district were toasted for their dedication and commitment to the local community recently.
Member for Wannon Dan Tehan hosted the 2024 Wannon Sport and Volunteer Awards at a ceremony in Ararat.
For the Volunteer Awards ceremony, guest speakers Leila McDougall and Daniel Buckingham joined Mr Tehan.
Mrs McDougall is the Tatyoon farmer, actor, scriptwriter and producer behind the film Just A Farmer which raises awareness of the mental health struggles faced by rural communities.
Mr Buckingham was awarded the Citizen of the Year by the Ararat Rural City Council in the 2024 Australia Day awards in recognition of the countless hours he has contributed to numerous organisations.
Mr Tehan said there were 47 recipients of the volunteer awards.
“I was inspired to read about the individuals and groups whose hard work is having such a positive impact on our communities,” he said.
“Their dedication is truly commendable.”
Mr Tehan said volunteering one’s “time or talents” for charitable, educational and other worthwhile activities plays a vital role in enabling rural communities to flourish.
“These awards allow me to show my appreciation for the selfless work that individuals and groups have carried out in our community, often behind the scenes,” he said.
Local Volunteer Award recipients included:
Youth Volunteer Award:
Cassandra Adams – Wangoom;
Group Award
Crystal Lee Foundation Op Shop Volunteers – Koroit;
Warrnambool Community Garden – Warrnambool; and
Warrnambool Lifeline and Community Shop – Warrnambool.
Emergency Management Award
Grant Bedwell – Port Fairy; and
Gerard Billings – Warrnambool.
Inspiring Individual Award
Gerry Mahony – Allansford;
Warwick McEachern – Mailors Flat;
Peter McMahon – Warrnambool;
Robert Porter – Warrnambool;
Ronald and Carlyn Sproston - Warrnambool.
