Volunteers acknowledged at annual thank you celebration

Over 140 volunteers, and their friends and family, representing volunteer organisations from across the Shire attended the 2019 Thank a Volunteer Day on Wednesday 5 December 2019. Hosted by the Shire at the HEART, the annual event was an opportunity to thank and celebrate the work of the 230 active local volunteer organisations who dedicate countless hours to support the community. The Thank a Volunteer Day event coincided with International Volunteer Day, which was established in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly and is celebrated on 5 December each year. The Department of Communities who provide a small event grant to assist the Shire acknowledge the dedication of our local volunteers. The event was also an opportunity to announce the winners of the annual Volunteer of the Year awards. The recipients were as follows:

Volunteer of the Year – Winner:

Volunteer of the Year -  Certificates of Appreciation:

Alana McMorron Ellen Stirling Jarrod Brindley Maxine Williams Raelene Pethica

Youth Volunteer of the Year – Winners:

Eleka Marshall Saffron Sgroi

Youth Volunteer of the Year - Certificate of Appreciation:

Maia Sheridan-Hulme Menaase McKenzie-Roe Tyrell McKenzie-Roe

Shire President Ian Earl expressed his gratitude towards the volunteers, saying they were instrumental for many projects, groups, services and facilities to function. “I would like to take the time to acknowledge that volunteers are the backbone of our community,” he said. “For many years I have been humbled by the dedicated efforts of community members working across our Shire to assist others and to make our Shire a better place.” The Shire thanks event supporters:

Department of Communities Artzability Margaret River Margaret River Camera Club The Shire also thanks businesses who donated more than $3000 worth of refreshments and gifts for the event: Arlewood Cape Grace Wines Coles Colonial Brewing Company Cullen Wines Dale Alcock Homes Devils Lair Foodroom Grace Farm Howard Park IGA Riverfresh Johnno B Biscuit Margaret River Beverages Margaret River Book Shop Margaret River Chocolate Company Margaret River Hemp Company Margarets Forest Apartments Providore St John Ambulance Margaret River Sunflowers Animal Farm Vasse Felix Victory Point Wines Willow Grill Yahava KoffeeWorks