2021 Volunteer Recognition Function

Maroondah volunteers come from all walks of life, background, experiences and age groups, yet they share a common goal - to make a difference to the lives of others.

Council this week acknowledged the significant contribution of its 400-plus volunteers who help to deliver a range of services and programs to the Maroondah community.

Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Mike Symon, said Council’s annual Volunteer Recognition event, held at Karralyka, is one of the many ways it thanked volunteers for their dedication and commitment during the year.

“All Council volunteers were invited to this special ceremony in recognition of the important role they play in giving their time, energy, skills and talents to enable us to provide much-needed community services,” Cr Symon said.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to two of Council’s longest-serving volunteers, Adele Allen and Fay Lawn, for achieving 50 years of service to the community. Both were acknowledged for their valuable contribution to Council’s Delivered Meals service.

“Adele and Fay are among more than 90 volunteers who together deliver around 750 meals to more than 200 clients who are located across all 15 suburbs in Maroondah,” Cr Symon said.

Adele said she started volunteering in the 70s when her church needed help to deliver meals.

“I just really enjoy doing it. You have the same route so you get to see the same people and you get to know them over the years.

“I’ve never woken up and thought I don’t want to do that today, it is just so rewarding.”

Faye said it was the people she met that inspired her to keep volunteering.

“The people you visit really appreciate it, and if they didn’t get the meals delivered they would have to go into care so it means a lot more people can stay in their own home for longer.”

Special milestone awards were also presented to 23 volunteers in recognition of their extended periods of service – ranging from 10 to 35 years.

“It’s amazing think that together our long-serving volunteers have clocked up an incredible 555 years of community service. Such long-term loyalty to volunteering highlights the satisfaction and fulfilment that volunteers receive,” Cr Symon said.

“Whether it’s delivering a meal, getting people out and about who might otherwise be feeling isolated, or helping to maintain and care for our bushland reserves, Maroondah volunteers provide their time for no other reward than knowing they are helping someone and contributing to the greater good of the community,” he said.

The event also celebrated the recipient of this year’s Bill Wilkins Volunteer Award, Pamela Catling.

At 90 years young, the Maroondah resident was presented with the prestigious service award for her significant contribution to the community as a dedicated conservationist through her long and continued association with Heathmont Bushcare and CRISP Nursery.

“Time is a valuable commodity in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But time is something that Maroondah volunteers are willing to offer every day as they help their fellow community members, and for this we are truly indebted to each and every one of them,” Cr Symon added.

Council’s Volunteer Recognition Function also acknowledged International Volunteer Day on 5 December, an annual event celebrating volunteers worldwide.

To find out how you can make a rewarding and valuable contribution to the Maroondah community through volunteering, visit our Volunteering page or call us on 1300 88 22 33.