Dedicated volunteers from across the Narrabri Shire have been recognised by the community this week as part of National Volunteer Week celebrations.
Five hard working community members were nominated for the 2015 Volunteer of the Year awards, and all were presented with a small badge as a token of Council’s appreciation for their ongoing work.
While each of the nominees had an extensive list of volunteering commitments and achievements, Max Cameron was named the 2015 Volunteer of the Year over 60 years and Wayne Madden was awarded Volunteer of the Year in the 25 to 59 year age category.
Cr Cathy Redding said it was a great honour to make the presentations.
“We’re very fortunate to have so many wonderful volunteers, so thank you from the Shire,” she said.
Max Cameron is a member of the Narrabri Rotary Club and is heavily involved in the organisation of the Annual Bowel Scan Program and Used Battery Muster.
He is also responsible for the care and sale of Rotary cattle which raise funds for local youth activities such as driver awareness courses and the Narrabri High School’s annual trip to Cambodia.
Mr Cameron’s long list of volunteer activities also includes coordinating the Annual Rotary Book sale, and lawn and general maintenance activities at the Narrabri Presbyterian Church. Mr Cameron said the award was very unexpected.
“It’s quite a big surprise, at 83 years of age I’m probably lucky that I can still do my bit, but I get a lot of
pleasure out of it so I enjoy volunteering,” he said.
Wayne Madden, Volunteer of the Year in the 25 to 59 years age category, also keeps extremely busy in the community.
Wayne is a member of the Eulah Creek Hall Committee and the Eulah Creek Machinery Day Committee.
He is the foundation secretary of the Narrabri Men’s Shed, assisting in the distribution of information about men’s health.
Mr Madden also helps senior citizens attend community based activities through his work with the Men’s Shed.
He is the coordinator of the University of NSW North West Science and Engineering Challenge which provides opportunities for local students to participate and be mentored in scientific activities.
Mr Madden is also a member of the Narrabri Rotary Club and a 2015 committee member of Narrabri Relay for life.
“I’m just trying to do my bit for the community,” he said.
“I was born and bred in Narrabri and I came back 11 years ago and I’m keen to give back to the community in any way I can.”
Council is struggling to find nominees for the younger age categories of the volunteer awards but Cr Redding says it is ‘a work in progress.’
“It’s great to see such a strong field this year and hopefully we can work on getting more nominations for the younger generation,” she said.
Nominees for the 2015 Volunteer of the Year awards included Marion Maclean, Narrabri, and Marian Baker and Roger Hollingworth, Boggabri.
Marion Maclean is a Life Member of the Narrabri Historical Society, marking 30 years as a volunteer with 22 of those spent in the treasurer’s role. Marian helps generate interest in the museum by arranging fundraising events. Her volunteering efforts help keep the museum viable and open to the public. Marian is also a regular volunteer at the Narrabri Show in the photography section and with catering.
Marian Baker is a life member of the Boggabri Historical Society. Her work includes updating and arranging displays as well as providing general information to the public. Her volunteer efforts have been particularly focused in the area of family history. Marian is also a member of Boggabri Home and Community Care and volunteers at the Anglican Church Op Shop and the Boggabri Art and Craft Exhibition. To add to her long list of community work, Marian also assists a friend on a daily basis with medical appointments and outings.
Roger Hollingworth could not attend the presentation (due to volunteering commitments with the Boggabri Lions Club) but he was represented by his wife, Sue. Roger has been a member of the Boggabri Lions Club for 18 years and a volunteer member of the Rural Fire Brigade for 14 years, an SES volunteer and SES trainer, attending countless local storm and flood damage sites over the last 10 years. He is a volunteer driver for the ambulance service, a member of the Boggabri Men’s Shed and a committee member of the Boggabri Relay for Life.