TRC thanks volunteers for extraordinary service totalling 300 years
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A deep love for her Cecil Plains community is the spark that drives Glennis Philbey to volunteer across numerous community organisations.
Volunteering has become a way of life for Mrs Philbey, who today (Friday, November 15, 2024) was thanked for her 25 years’ active volunteering.
Mrs Philbey joined 32 fellow Council-managed volunteers who were honoured by Toowoomba Regional Council for reaching service milestones at a recognition of service function at The Annex in Toowoomba.
“I love Cecil Plains, and it is my love for the people that makes me celebrate what a vibrant place it is,” Mrs Philbey said.
Mrs Philbey serves on the Cecil Plains Australia Day and Anzac Day committees, in addition to other roles supporting the Cecil Plains History Group and Bush Nursing.
Her love for the community extends to hosting a Carols by Candlelight function at her home, which is scheduled for Sunday, November 24.
“I have a good crew, which makes my job a little easier,” she said.
“I intend volunteering for another 20 years.”
Mrs Philbey and her late husband, Darryl, were awarded the Cecil Plains/Millmerran 2022 Toowoomba Region Australia Day Cultural award for their efforts to move and restore the former Cecil Plains jail building.
Mr Eddie Starr accepted a 20-year service award for his role on the Clifton Australia Day organising committee.
“Giving back to the community is very important,” Mr Starr said.
“There is a feeling of satisfaction.
“I’m a proud, fair dinkum Australian and I’m pleased to help our community celebrate Australia Day.”
Mr Starr’s additional community involvement includes volunteering at the Pilton Hall and the Scouts.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald and fellow Councillors led the tributes for the volunteers.
“Volunteers are our bearers of goodwill across the Region,” Mayor McDonald enthused.
“The 33 volunteers recognised today have recorded an incredible 300 years of service to the communities across our Region. When combined with other volunteers who have served for 20 years or longer, we have an extraordinary 827 years of voluntary service contributed by our Council-managed volunteers.
“Volunteers make a vital contribution to the wellbeing of individuals and their respective communities.
“Everyone of today’s service award recipients is an indispensable part of our service delivery. The same goes for our full complement of approximately 600 Council-managed volunteers.
“We are extremely grateful to every volunteer for the friendly and dependable service they offer across our organisation.
“Today’s function is a chance to turn the attention on our volunteers and thank them for the tremendous commitment they display and pride they take in serving the wider Region.
“Everyone here today can be justifiably proud of their service achievements.
“Our volunteers display kindness, which is the universal currency that transcends borders, cultures, and languages; it enriches our communities, fosters connections, and has the power to change lives—proving that even the smallest gestures can have the greatest impact.”
Volunteers who reached their 20-year or greater service milestone this year included: Glen Beutel, Acland ANZAC Day and Eddie Starr, Clifton Australia Day; Glennis Philbey, Cecil Plains Australia Day for 25 years and Joan Smith, Pittsworth Pioneer Historical Village, who marked 30 years with the facility.
Five years’ service: Norma Robinson, Crows Nest Gallery & Toowoomba Home Library Service
Sue Groom, Hampton Visitor Information Centre
Pat Muller, Hampton Visitor Information Centre
Tarina Wohlers, Rosalie Art Gallery
Roland Thompson, Toowoomba ANZAC Day
Marilyn Coyne, Toowoomba Home Library Service
Pauline Lutton, Toowoomba Home Library Service
Michele Alroe, Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre
Helen Brownlie, Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre
Lynn Clout, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Kylie Delrayne, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Michele Petersen-Taylor, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Graeme Ratcliffe, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Helen Taylor, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Erin Kehoe-O’Shea, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Lisa McDonald, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Mayor Geoff McDonald, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Cr James O’Shea, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Ten years’ service: Anne Pedersen, Clifton Australia Day
Deb Ford, Crows Nest Community Nursery
Trish Gardner, Crows Nest Community Nursery
Jason Lee, Oakey Australia Day
Glynn Mace, Pittsworth Pioneer Historical Village
Steven Wooldridge, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Brenda Brown, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery
Steve Walker, Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre
Fifteen years’ service: Barry Miller, Crows Nest Australia Day
Heather Harrison, Toowoomba Home Library Service
Michele Lawler, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery
Twenty years’ service: Glen Beutel, Acland ANZAC Day
Eddie Starr, Clifton Australia Day
Twenty-five years’ service: Glennis Philbey, Cecil Plains Australia Day
Thirty years’ service: Joan Smith, Pittsworth Pioneer Historical Village
Caption: (Top) Toowoomba Region Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald (centre) congratulates TRC volunteer service awardees Glennis Philbey (left) and Eddie Starr at the recognition of service function, along with fellow Councillors and other awardees (below).