Volunteers Celebrated at Annual Thank a Volunteer Day Event
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Over 140 volunteers representing volunteer organisations from across the Shire attended the 2020 Thank a Volunteer Day celebration at the Margaret River HEART on Thursday last week. Together with their friends and family, volunteers enjoyed a night of celebration at the end of a year like no other, with entertainment by local musician Banjo Lucia.
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River hosts the annual event as an opportunity to recognise and thank the volunteers who work across 230 active local volunteer organisations in the shire.
As part of the event, the winners of the annual Volunteer of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year awards were announced, with many well deserving volunteers in the running for the main award.
Lynda Donovan took out the Volunteer of the Year award for her ongoing dedication and commitment to the community through cancer support group River Angels, which she established over five years ago.
Certificates of appreciation were also awarded to Alastair Wilkie, Bruce Macaulay, Donna Livingstone, Genevieve Broadhurst, Janet Duffat, Jane Hilton, Janis White, Joanna McLarty, John James, Karen Majer, Lorraine Monahan, Lyn Serventy and Shirley Becker who were nominated for their countless hours in contributing to the success of various community organisations.
Natalie Iredale was presented the Youth Volunteer of the Year award for her involvement with St John Ambulance, Margaret River Underwater Hockey Club and Mermaid Laundry. Cody Seberry, Greta Bligh, Menaase McKenzie Roe and Tyrell McKenzie Roe were also recognised for their outstanding contributions with certifications of appreciation.
Shire President Ian Earl expressed his gratitude to volunteers, saying they were the backbone of the community. “Without volunteers, many of the projects, events, groups, facilities and services in our community would simply not exist,” he said.
“I am extremely humbled by the contributions of our volunteers and express my since thanks and admiration for making our community a vibrant, supportive and all-round amazing place to live.”
The Shire also expressed thanks to the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, as well as local groups Artzability and Margaret River Camera Club and the local businesses who generously donated more than $5,000 worth of refreshments and gifts to give volunteers the night they deserved.
Left: 2020 Volunteer of the Year award-winner Lynda Donovan with Shire President Ian Earl. Right: 2020 Youth Volunteer of the Year award-winner Natalie Iredale with Shire President Ian Earl.