The National Volunteer Week theme, “Something for Everyone,” was brought to life in Armidale this week, where the diversity of the region’s volunteers was celebrated.
The New England Regional Volunteer Awards supported by Armidale Regional Council (ARC) featured three main categories and an overall winner and the quality of nominations for this year’s awards was outstanding, according to Council.
This year’s overall winner of the Volunteer of the Year was the EALD Homework Centre Team nominated in the Team Volunteer category by Fay Paris for their work at Drummond Memorial School.
All award recipients were celebrated with a morning tea at Council Chambers on Wednesday which was attended by various Council dignitaries.
“This week we will celebrate the power of over 6 million Australians who generously volunteer their time each and every day,” said ARC Mayor Sam Coupland.
“National Volunteer Week provides a great opportunity for us all to thank the many volunteers who help make our community stronger, and to demonstrate how much their efforts and commitment are appreciated.
“This week we celebrated just a few of the many wonderful volunteers we have in the Armidale area, and I would like to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you.”
ARC Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood handed certificates to the following nominees:
- Armidale Transport 2 Treatment Volunteers nominated in the Volunteer Team category by Paul Hobson for their work with Cancer Council NSW
- Armidale EALD Homework Centre Team nominated in the Volunteer Team category by Fay Paris for their work with Drummond Memorial School
- Amanda Forrest nominated in the Adult Volunteer category by Pamela Bath for her work with TAFE NSW Adult Migrant English Program
- Donna Green nominated in the Adult Volunteer category by Pamela Bath for her work with TAFE NSW Adult Migrant English Program
- Marina Makepeace nominated in the Adult Volunteer category by Liam O’Neill for her work with the Armidale Folk Museum
- Robert Murison nominated in the Senior Volunteer category by Emily Simson for his work with New England Regional Art Museum
- Janine Turner nominated in the Senior Volunteer category by Emily Simson for her work with New England Regional Art Museum
- Tablelands Community Support Social Support Team nominated in the Volunteer Team category by Jade Hodge for their work with Tablelands Community Support Service
- Guyra HSS Nicholii House Team nominated in the Volunteer Team category by Bec Broughton for their work with Guyra Home Support Service
- Guyra HSS Volunteer Transport Team nominated in the Volunteer Team category by Bec Broughton for their work with Guyra Home Support Service
The winners in each category were:
The New England Regional Volunteer Team is Armidale EALD Homework Centre Team nominated by Fay Paris for their work at Drummond Memorial School.
The New England Regional Senior Volunteer of the Year (65 years +) is shared by Janine Turner and Robert Murison nominated by Emily Simson for their work with New England Regional Art Museum.
The New England Regional Adult Volunteer of the Year is Amanda Forrest nominated in the Adult Volunteer category by Pamela Bath for her work with TAFE NSW Adult Migrant English Program.
Volunteer of the Year
The New England Regional Volunteer of the Year is Armidale EALD Homework Centre Team nominated in the Team Volunteer category by Fay Paris for their work at Drummond Memorial School.
The New England Regional Volunteer Awards have been aligned with criteria for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Award 2024 run by The Centre for Volunteering to allow nominations to go forward to this award.
