Mayor Describes Long Service Volunteers as “Staggering”

Personally congratulating the recipients at a ceremony at the Civic Centre in Booragoon,  Mayor Russell Aubrey said the occasion was inspired by this year’s 10th anniversary of the International Year of the Volunteer.

Mayor Aubrey added the average length of service among award winners was a “staggering” 23 years.

“We sent notice about this award to more than 200 not-for-profit organisations and received 14 very impressive nominations of long-service volunteers, all of whom we have now recognised as a valued citizen,” he said.

“The Mayor’s Valued Citizen Award celebrates and thanks those wonderful people who have volunteered 10 years or more of their valuable time to help others in the City.

“While the City acknowledges the incredible contribution of all volunteers, the Mayor’s Valued Citizen award is a way to recognise the immensely positive impact that long-service volunteers have on our fortunate City. 

“Volunteers come from all walks of life and give their time across a diverse range of fields such as: sporting clubs, aged care, disability organisations, environmental groups and school canteens. 

“Despite the more than 200 products and services the City provides, without these volunteers’ efforts our community would not be what it is today and I sincerely thank these valuable citizens for their outstanding and unwavering commitment.”

Each recipient received a Mayor’s Valued Citizen commemorative pin, a certificate and an invitation to the special award ceremony with Mayor Aubrey.

To be eligible for the award, the volunteers must have been involved with a not-for-profit organisation in the City, for 10 years or more and cannot have been in a paid role within their organisation.

Mayor’s Valued Citizen Award recipients 2011:

Recipient     Number of Years Volunteering 

• Mr Kenneth Haines   39 years volunteering service

Mr Haines served the RAAF in 1946-1957. He joined the Association in 1972. He is an active volunteer who has been pivotal in the distribution of the ‘Air Mail’, as well as serving as an Archivist, in the library and as the Secretary of the Village Day Club.

• Mr Jay Gillett    38 years volunteering service 

For 38 years, Mr Gillett has volunteered with the Palmyra Rugby Union Club. During this time, he was a committee member for 11 years, President for two years, Tompkins Park board member for nine years, Tompkins Park President for four years, Recruitment Chairman for five years, as well as many other roles.

• Mr Clem Glennon   35 years volunteering service  
   
Mr Glennon has volunteered for more than 35 years with the Blue Gum Tennis Club. He has assisted with expansions for the Club, was President of the Club and was also Chairman of the property development sub-committee. Recently, Mr Glennon has managed the court conversion project - a landmark development for the club.

• Ms Edythe Beste    30 years plus volunteering service

Ms Beste coordinates the Bicton Uniting Church care group, which provides respite for elderly and disabled people. She coordinates transport, catering for lunch and morning tea, craft activities and entertainment.

• Ms Hazel Gough    29 years volunteering service

In 1975, Ms Gough started volunteering as a Cub Scout Leader in Kardinya. She transferred to Bateman in 1991 and is now District Cub Scout Leader, responsible for the delivery of the Cub Scout program with the Scout Association of Australia across 14 scout groups.

• Mrs Laurel Della Bosca    27 years volunteering service

Mrs Della Bosca became a volunteer in 1984 and since that time has taken every opportunity to promote Red Cross’ ideals and principals.

• Mr Kevin Costello   25 years volunteering service

Kevin Costello has volunteered at the Applecross RSL sub-branch as a committee member, Vice President and President. In 2009, he organised Poppy Day, is currently the Sub Branch Pension Welfare Officer and is a life member.

• Mr Colin Wathen-Dunn   21 years volunteering service

In 1990, Mr Wathen-Dunn started volunteering as an Assistant Scout Leader at Weylen Bay Scout group in Applecross. During this time, he has been promoted to Scout Leader, District Scout Leader and Assistant District Commissioner. He is also involved with the WA Scout Association Branch training team.

• Mr Atul Garg    16 years volunteering service

Mr Garg is a Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) coordinator and is the first point of contact for any NHW enquiries. He also organises the bi-monthly meetings and supports all the NHW suburb managers.

• Ms Anne Hartzenberg    15 years volunteering service

Ms Hartzenberg is Vice President of the St John of God Hospital Auxiliary. She coordinates the Day Procedure Unit with 20 volunteers and also interviews all new volunteers.

• Mrs Colleen Rintoul   13 years volunteering service

Mrs Rintoul is a committee member of the Melville Community Arts Association and Curator of the Atwell Art Gallery.

• Mr Ian Jarvis    13 years volunteering service

Mr Jarvis has been instrumental in establishing KAK! Volunteering and has provided countless hours, skills and resources to support the development of the organisation. Roles he has taken on include: Board Member, Chairman, IT Developer/Support, Gardener, Handyman, Builder and many others.

• Mr Bert DeMeyere   13 years volunteering service

Mr DeMeyere is board member of Melville Cares Incorporated has taken on a Treasurer role. He plays a vital role monitoring the constant amendments to accountability and compliance requirements.

• Mrs Lorraine Winchcomb   11 years plus volunteering service

At Capital Community Radio, Mrs Winchcomb is Program Director and responsible for all volunteer presenters and producers (approximately 90 people). She also organises Radiothon and Have-A-Go-Day and is a member of the Committee of Management.

For more information visit www.melvillecity.com.au/volunteering or contact 1300 635 845.