MORE than 50 local legends were recognised at the inaugural Forde Volunteer Appreciation Awards on Friday night.
Despite the nature of volunteers to steer clear of the limelight, Member for Forde, Bert van Manen MP, wanted to highlight the incredible work of local individuals and community groups through the awards night on Friday, May 24.
“These selfless people and community organisations do so much for our region – I thought it was about time we recognised some of them,” Mr van Manen said.
“So often the work of volunteers goes unrecognised. But, it’s not in their nature to seek out plaudits or attention.
“My office and I thought what better way to give them some credit, than through the appreciation awards.
“A trophy or a certificate is just a small token of thanks from both me, and the community of Forde, for all the time and work these volunteers put into our electorate,” he said.
More than 70 people/groups were nominated in four categories; Volunteer of the Year, Senior Volunteer of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year and Community Organisation of the Year.
There was also some special awards handed out for ‘Years of Service’.
Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Jan Bloem, Senior Volunteer of the Year went to Felicity Torr, Young Volunteer of the Year was Khloie Cregan and Community Organisation of the Year was jointly awarded to Coomera Valley Rural Fire Brigade and Kids4Kids Foundation.
Highly Commended awards went to Jenna Shanks in the Young Volunteer of the Year award, Highly Commended’s in the Volunteer of the Year award were William Boobermien, Natasha Ross and Emma Garratt, Highly Commended in the Senior Volunteer of the Year award was Sue Hutchinson, Kay Wilson and Heather Christensen and Community Organisation of the Year Highly Commended’s went to Nightlight Outreach and Loganlea Community Centre.
“Each person or group was nominated by someone in our community. We then had a selection panel whittle down nominations to select our winners and highly commended recipients,” Mr van Manen said.
“I want to thank every nominee and everyone who turned out in support to make our inaugural event such a success.”
