2023 Greater Shepparton Volunteer Recognition Awards recipients announced

The ceremony, held at Riverlinks Eastbank, was attended by 240 people with a further 600 people tuning in to the livestream from home. Three community members and one community group were formally recognised for their volunteering efforts in supporting the Greater Shepparton community, while a further 39 received nominations for their outstanding efforts. Awards were presented for the four categories of:

Now in its 14th year, the awards attracted an impressive number of nominations, with nominees volunteering their time to various organisations, service clubs and sporting groups across the region. Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, congratulated each of the winners on their award.

“While every nomination we received was deserving of an award, the winners were carefully selected for their impressive display of dedication to their community over a number of years. These awards recognise that their effort and commitment are acknowledged and appreciated,” he said.

“It was great to see nominations received for people who volunteered in all aspects of the community, whether that was by helping people in need during last October’s flood response and recovery, ensuring community and sporting groups continue to operate, providing care to sick people, or supporting the education of our region’s youth.

“While each volunteer contribution is unique, they are all deserving of our recognition and thanks. Greater Shepparton relies on volunteers and any opportunity we have to acknowledge their efforts is fantastic.”

Further details on each of the award winners is included below. For more information on the Greater Shepparton Volunteer Recognition Awards page

Watch the livestream of the Awards Ceremony below or visit Council’s Facebook page.

2023 Young Volunteer: Kimberley Chu

Kim Chu arrived in Australia in 2022 and since then she has dedicated her time to volunteer throughout the community. Kim is best described as authentic, humble, empathetic, and hardworking and remains true to her values. All of these qualities have seen her positively contribute to Greater Shepparton. Kim is a great example to other young people of the power of volunteering within the community.

 2023 Adult Volunteer: Norman Davis

Norm is a quiet, selfless person who does not seek attention or accolades for his efforts, including being very accommodating in all requests from the Mooroopna Football Netball Club, the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and other organisations he is involved with. Norm has volunteered tirelessly for his community and dedicated his life to the Mooroopna Football Netball Club. He is highly regarded locally and sets a wonderful example for other community members and volunteers.

 2023 Team Volunteer: Mooroopna Football Netball Club

During the October 2022 floods, the Mooroopna Football Netball Club stepped up to help their devastated town and went over and above to help organise a clean-up army on Saturday 22 October. As they say, it takes a community to build a village and the Mooroopna Football Netball Club gave back to the very community that has supported them. Their efforts and leadership were outstanding. What the Mooroopna Football Netball Club Board, players, supporters and others managed to achieve in one day was phenomenal.

 2023 Long Serving Volunteer: Gregory Pell

Greg has been an outstanding citizen in Merrigum and deserves recognition within the wider community. He has juggled owning a business, running a farm, raising a family and volunteering for numerous groups all at the same time. The Merrigum Football Netball Club, Merrigum Hall and Landcare group would have ceased operation without Greg’s constant support and guidance. Greg is a selfless man who will do anything to make Merrigum a better place for all. Volunteering in the community for the greater good for over 30 years, Greg is truly an inspiration.