Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall presents the Alwyn Jones Community Award to Kerryn Williams from Armidale/Uralla Meals on Wheels.
Wednesday, 22 May 2019
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall yesterday joined the community in celebrating the contribution of local volunteers at the 2019 New England Volunteer Awards.
More than 15 individuals and community organisations were nominated for this year’s awards, which takes place as part of National Volunteers Week.
Mr Marshall said while people didn’t volunteer to receive recognition, it was important to publicly thank and congratulate those people who selflessly give themselves and their time to worthy causes, community organisations and improving the lives of those in need.
“Our country towns are built on the work of volunteers and would cease to function without them,” Mr Marshall said.
“Sadly our volunteer base is getting older, with most of those people sharing their time between one or more organisations; that’s why I’m urging more young people to get involved.
“Not only does volunteering mean you are helping someone else, but it is also a great chance to meet new people, be social and potentially learn new skills.”
The winner of this year’s Alwyin Jones Community Service Award was the Armidale/Uralla Meals on Wheels, whose volunteers have been providing warm dinners and support to the elderly who still live in their home since 1966.
“Currently there are 200 people who give up their time to support Meals on Wheels in Armidale and Uralla with the organisation providing a whopping 36,000 meals annually,” Mr Marshall said.
“This year nominations were diverse with everything from hospital auxiliary members to senior’s carers, cancer support groups and community event committees. I congratulate and thank them all for their contribution.
In NSW, more than 2.1 million people volunteer, contributing 240 million hours of their time, while in the Northern Tablelands, 50 per cent of people over the age of 18 take part in some form of volunteering activity.
“People in our region are, by their nature, very generous with their time and we have some of the highest rates of volunteerism anywhere in the State – that’s something to be very proud of,” Mr Marshall said.
“This week we pay tribute all those volunteers and thank them for the essential work they do in our community.”
As part of National Volunteer’s Week, Northern Tablelands residents are also reminded to nominate a volunteer as part of the Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program.
There are four categories open for nominations under the program, including:
- People with a lifetime of volunteering experience – over 40 years
- People with over 25 years of volunteering experience
- Significant volunteering at any age; and
- Student volunteering.
To nominate a volunteer or to find out more information about the program, visit: www.volunteering.nsw.gov.au
Full List of 2019 New England Volunteer Award Nominees:
Team Category:
Armidale Sanctuary Home Reading Volunteers
Guyra Lamb and Potato Festival
Armidale/Uralla Meals on Wheels
Armidale Cancer Council Information Service (Winner)
Armidale Community Radio
Hinton’s Journal Research Team
Adult 25-60 Years:
Dianne Burey – Guyra Hospital Auxiliary
Romayne Grace – Armidale Care for Seniors (Winner)
Cathy Banton – Settlement Services International
Jess Schmidt – Settlement Services International
Rita Lockyer – Settlement Services International
Senior:
Roy Bennet – Guyra Branch of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter (Winner)
Shirley Cook – University of the Third Age (Winner)
Ruth Nicholls – Settlement Services International
Darrell Whan – New England Regional Art Museum
Alwyn Jones Community Award:
Armidale/Uralla Meals on Wheels (Winner)
Romayne Grace – Armidale Care for Seniors
Shirley Cook – University of the Third Age
Armidale Community Radio