Volunteer of the Year Award
Nominations are closed for the2013 Volunteer of the Year Award.
The aim of the Award is to recognise and celebrate local volunteers whose work contributes to the social and cultural well-being of our community. The winner receives a certificate and $1,000 donation to the organisation of their choice.
2013 Volunteer of the Year Nominees:
Michael Reid: Michael Reid is the inaugural Chairman of Australian Ironman Local Organising Committee (LOC). He has contributed more than 5000 hours of his time over 12 years in helping to coordinate the event which draws over 1,600 competitors and over 2000 local volunteers. He has also been a volunteer coach, president and committee member and trainer for members of the Port Macquarie Triathlon Club for over 22 years
Michael was also invited to sit on the Industry Board of Newman College in 2006. Michael was chosen for his ability to provide College leaders with advice to keep their knowledge relevant and up to date to enable them to focus student courses in line with current industry trends.
Julian Dennis: Julian has 'manned' the BBQ at every Wauchope Bonny Hills SLSC 'Nippers Day' since his daughter started with the club in 2005, as well as for other club functions. He doesn't let his disabilities get in the way of trying to provide a much-needed support service for the club. He gets there early to set up, keeps going behind the hot plates as long as there are people wanting food and stays behind to pack up, clean up and wash up.
Julian is also one of the many volunteers who help Camden Haven Meals on Wheels deliver over 22,000 meals each year. He is also a founding member of Sailability Port Macquarie, a new recreation facility for people with a disability. As an experienced sailor who grew up "playing around on yachts" on Sydney's Pittwater, Julian is an asset when it comes to rigging up and preparing the dinghies.
Patrick Galbraith-Robertson: A member of Hastings Valley Mountain Bike Riders who has donated countless hours of personal time toward the construction and maintenance of mountain bike infrastructure at Wayne Richards Park. He has also been integral in increasing youth club membership which has now risen to over 100 members.
Shane Hughes: Shane has been an active member of Port Macquarie State Emergency Service for over 30 years during his service he has been involved in numerous rescue operations including the Clybucca Bus Crash in 1989 and a rescue at Mt Seaview in 1991 where he was awarded a Commendation for Brave Conduct by the Governor-General.
Nik Sandeman-Allen: Nik has volunteered as Chairperson for the Hastings Access Sub-Committee for five years. During this time, Nik has championed for the removal of barriers for people with a disability and is a strong community advocate for improving the built environment so it is disability friendly. Nik also volunteers as a judge for the annual Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce Disability Friendly Awards and conducts onsite inspections of nominees businesses.
Malcolm Merrick: Malcolm is currently the President of Tacking Point Lions Club. Under his leadership the Club has completed a Wandering Path at the GEM Ward at Port Macquarie Base Hospital. He has helped assist other service groups with either fundraising or with manpower when or where required. Malcolm has also been Chairman of the Hastings Men's Shed since 2010. He organises visits by health practitioners, financial advisers, bereavement counselling, Centrelink along with skilled tradesmen and special interest groups.
Malcolm is also a member of the Australia Day Sub Committee and volunteers countless hours for the Driver Reviver program.
James Middleton: James has been a member of Camden haven Meals on Wheels for over 10 years. At a time when most retirees are taking things a bit easier, Jim is actively involved in managing this small community business - a big responsibility which includes the employment of 5 staff, developing strategic plans, and updating organisational policies and procedures to ensure best practice.
Jim has also been an active volunteer at Kew Country Club for more than 14 years.
Lillian Andrews: Each week, Lillian donates her volunteer time to the Port Macquarie Historical Society and Museum, Port Macquarie meals Service, Hastings Home Hospice and Hastings United Bootscooters.
At the Port Macquarie Historical Museum, Lillian is a front desk volunteer, tours coordinator, tour guide, research volunteer, public speaker to community groups, and great ambassador for the organisation.
She is described as a 'beautiful and selfless person' by her colleagues at the Port Macquarie Meals Service.
Emily Davidson: Emily showed what could be achieved in gaining the NSW Junior Life Saver Award in 2011. Emily is now part of the Port Macquarie SLSC leadership co-ordinator's team. She attended a camp as a facilitator, displaying her skills as a speaker, leader, mentor, trainer and team member while organising and teaching nippers various life and surf life saving skills.
Diane Hayes: Diane has played an integral role in the development of the iKew Visitor Centre and Community Hub. Her dedication to the project from the beginning has been extraordinary and it has increased substantially as the Centre became a reality.
Janette Hyde: Janette has been an important player in the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce, Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Board and Port Panthers for the past five years. Janette first started volunteering around 1980 when she joined the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association and has been involved in many organisations since. She most recently helped organise the inaugural Port Macquarie Beatles Festival.
Janette has been a key player in the local tourism industry for over 25 years, and currently donates more than 40 hours of her time every week toward activities, events and strategies that contribute to the promotion of the Greater Port Macquarie region.
Margaret Rudder: Margaret has volunteered for the Support Unit at Westport high School for more than four years. During this time she has undertaken work with both physically and intellectually disabled students. The work Margaret has undertaken requires specialised skills which she has gained over the years of her work.
Denis McIntyre: Denis volunteers for the NSW Rural Fire Service as a communications radio operator and participates in an after hours duty on call system to respond units to incidents and emergencies. Denis also acts as a duty officer on weekends supervising the emergency responses. He has provided countless hours over the years of service and trained many others in the correct procedures over time.
Enquiries:
Should you require further information regarding the above Award, please contact Council's Corporate Events Coordinator, Jenny Mead by telephoning 6581 8111 or email: Jenny.Mead@pmhc.nsw.gov.au
Past Volunteer of the Year Award recipients:
Ralph Mueller - 2012 Volunteer of the Year
Julie Ho - 2011 Volunteer of the Year
Joan Sonter OAM - 2010 Volunteer of the Year
(shown here with Leslie Williams on Australia Day)
