Volunteers honoured for international celebration
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Everybody’s life is touched and enhanced by the contributions of volunteers, according to speakers at an Armidale event to celebrate International Volunteers Day (IVD) 2018.
Volunteers can provide a lifeline for people in need, drive events that bring fun and colour, and generally raise the quality of life for communities throughout Australia, Council’s Armidale Volunteer Referral Service Coordinator Jane Davies said.
Many local volunteers were honoured at a presentation ceremony and brunch at Armidale Town Hall on Wednesday, celebrating this year’s IVD theme, Volunteers Build Resilient Communities.
Approximately 150 people filled the hall to see volunteers receive certificates of appreciation from Deputy Mayor Dorothy Robinson and Councillor Margaret O’Connor.
Councillor Robinson said almost 300 individuals and teams were nominated to receive certificates this year, highlighting the wealth of volunteer input for the Armidale region.
“The variety of certificate recipients reflected the many way volunteers can bind communities together and improve lives,” she said.
“Local recipients ranged from transport providers who also lend a caring ear for cancer treatment patients, to boaties who share the freedom of sailing with people with disability.
“This year’s IVD theme brings a special focus on people who make their communities more resilient to natural disasters, economic stresses and political impacts.”
A number of award recipients will be presented with their certificates at a ceremony in Guyra this Tuesday.
Cr Robinson said volunteering could also be extremely rewarding for the people offering their time and expertise.
“People keen to help their communities stay vibrant and caring can contact the Armidale Volunteer Referral Service for information about how they can get involved,” she said.
To see a full list of certificate recipients, further information and contact details, go to www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/community/get-involved/volunteer or visit our Facebook page.
Published on 07 Dec 2018