LOCAL VOLUNTEERS RECOGNISED

Friday, 23 December 2011 09:54

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

30 November 2011

LOCAL VOLUNTEERS RECOGNISED

Volunteers across the New England Northern Inland Region were recognised in Tamworth today at the 2011 Volunteer of the Year Award Ceremony.

Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson MP, attended today's Ceremony, alongside Tamworth Regional Council Deputy Mayor, Russell Webb, Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor, Adam Marshall, Armidale Dumaresq Council Mayor, Peter Ducat, and Uralla Shire Council Deputy Mayor, Michael Pierce.

Mr Anderson presented certificates for the individual and team nominees, as well as, individual and team awards. There were 13 nominees overall, with 4 award winners from within the Tamworth electorate.

Mr Anderson said, "Over twenty percent of our population here in Tamworth are volunteers, this equates to over 9000 volunteers working for the community within our local area. The level of volunteer spirit in Tamworth makes me proud to be part of this great region.

Wally Warner of Tamworth was recognised as the 2011 New England Northern Inland Volunteer of the Year. Wally has been volunteering with children throughout Tamworth and the region for over 30 years, coaching them in athletics, football and cricket.

Mr Anderson said, "Wally Warner is a great community stalwart. He continually donates his time for the betterment of kids. Nothing is ever too much for Wally.

"There are plenty of kids in this town who owe a lot to Wally. He not only coaches them in sport but teaches them respect for others and themselves.

"Wally has coached 60 children during this year's athletics season, some of whom had had great success at a National level.

"Wally is now in the running to win the prestigious 2011 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award, announced at Parliament House on Monday, 5 December.

Gabrielle Bower was recognised as the 2011 New England Northern Inland Youth Volunteer of the Year. Gabrielle volunteers at Ronald McDonald House, the Tamworth Cat and Dog Refuge, the Starlight Foundation and on the Paralympic Committee.

"Gabrielle's work at these organisations provides assistance to paid staff and enables the day to day operations of the organisations to run more smoothly.

"At Ronald McDonald House Gabrielle helps out to assist the managers and other volunteers to provide a happy and safe environment for families in distress.

"Gabrielle helps out at the Refuge looking after animals and helping to find them suitable homes for the future.

Bradley Law of Manilla was recognised as the 2011 New England Northern Inland Highly Commended Volunteer of the Year. Bradley is a member of the Manilla Rural Bush Fire Brigade, a member of the Manilla Matters Committee and a volunteer at the local pool and school.

"Bradley helps to maintain the Brigades equipment, attends practice and training sessions and fights bush fires. Bradley is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Bradley is also a trained lifesaver and assists with the lighting and sound at major school productions.

Mr Anderson said, "It's great to see accomplished young people like Bradley and Gabrielle working out in our local community. They are the future of our aging volunteer workforce, setting an example for their generation."

The Tambar Springs SES Volunteer Team, led by John Ceissman and consisting of 8 volunteers, was awarded the 2011 New England Northern Inland Volunteer Team of the Year.

Mr Anderson said, "The Tambar Springs SES Unit are very deserving of this award. They are a small unit which provides invaluable lifesaving support to their local community."

"The Unit services the villages of Tambar Springs, Premer, Mullaley and a surrounding 5000 square kilometre rural area with a total estimated population of 1000.

"In the past 12 months the Unit has responded to 23 medical emergencies from cardiac arrests to motor vehicle accidents. They have often arrived at the scene prior to other emergency services.

"The Unit has also been required to respond to five separate flood events in the Tambar Springs area over the last 12 months. Performing flood rescues of trapped motorists and considerable monitoring and inspections of local waterways.

"Unit Controller, Mr John Ceissman, also provided assistance to flood affected communities on the NSW North Coast and Cyclone Yasi affected communities in Far North Queensland as part of the NSW SES Task Force."

'The Unit are a small team of volunteers who work closely together supporting each other in the delivery of an excellent service to their community"

Ends