Five Greater Shepparton locals were recognised for their contributions to the community at the 2021 Greater Shepparton Volunteer Recognition Awards held at Riverlinks Eastbank on Monday, May 17.
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Now in its 11th year, this year's awards attracted 24 nominations.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O’Keeffe said the winners were carefully selected from a high calibre field of entries.
“While every entry we received was deserving of an award, the five winners were carefully selected for their impressive displays of dedication to their community over a number of years,” she said.
Cr O'Keeffe said due to the extremely high calibre of entries received, this year saw two recipients receive the Long Serving Volunteer Award.
“Volunteers such as Geoff and Gwen are examples of members of our community who commit much of their lives to volunteering. Both recipients are extremely deserving of the award,” she said.
With limited numbers in attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions, the awards ceremony was livestreamed on council’s Facebook page.
The audience also heard from guest speaker Susan Alberti AC, chair of her own medical research foundation. Her work has helped raise millions of dollars for diabetes research.
Adult volunteer winner - Severin Duhring
Severin has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Mooroopna for 34 years. He was the driving force behind building the Kiwanis Station and Kiwanis Workshop at Kidstown.
His involvement with the Kiwanis TERFFIC Kids and Build a Bike programs has given primary school students hands-on skills and a sense of achievement.
He has also worked with others to establish the Mooroopna Men's Shed and as a volunteer mentor driver at the L2P Program, Severin has helped eight young people get the 120 hours practice needed to get their licence.
Severin said he had got as much out of volunteering as he had put in over the years.
“ Life is so much more fulfilling as a volunteer. You change people's lives and it actually changes your life. You learn so much and meet so many interesting people,” he said.
Long serving volunteer joint winner - Geoff Long
Geoff's commitment to the people of the Goulburn Valley is reflected in his many volunteering roles to support community organisations and disadvantaged groups. His Rotary philosophy of ‘service before self’ has driven his devotion and loyalty to every member of the local community and beyond for more than 40 years.
As an active Rotary Club of Shepparton member, Geoff is instrumental in the fundraising of thousands of dollars each year which are dispersed to community organisations. He also represents and advocates for child and adult mental health on the Goulburn Valley Health Board and delivers Meals on Wheels to the elderly.
Geoff is humble when it comes to his reasons for volunteering.
“I was 25 when I joined Apex and I'm 69 now. Volunteering is just something I've always done. When something needs doing, you step up to the plate,” he said.
Long serving volunteer joint winner - Gwen Wallace
At 93, Gwen is a standout volunteer who has given tirelessly to the community in a variety of capacities. She touches the lives of others through her kindness and generosity. Gwen enjoys bringing joy to others and goes out of her way to do this. One of her fellow volunteers said: "Gwen is like the grandmother everyone wants, she has a heart of pure gold and makes everyone feel special. She has a special gift of brightening everyone's day and bringing out the best in people".
For 21 years she was an op-shop volunteer for Goulburn Valley Hospice, and for 20 years she was a voluntary visitor at Shepparton Villages’ Tarcoola where she now lives.
“I just love being with people and listening to those people who need to talk,” Gwen said.
Young volunteer winner - Tom Saxton
At 19 years old, Tom gives his time freely at the local, state and national levels to provide a strong youth voice for Greater Shepparton.
He makes a difference through advocacy, leadership and championing young peoples’ voices. He believes volunteering is a privilege and that he gains so much more than he gives through his volunteering.
“It's almost selfish being a volunteer because you gain so much. You meet amazing people, build so many networks and make connections,” Tom said.
“Once you start volunteering you see the benefits on so many levels, and you just can't give it up,” he said.
Tom is currently studying for a Bachelor in International Studies at Deakin University.
Volunteer team winner - Shepparton Foodshare
Shepparton Foodshare volunteers stood up to the challenges of COVID-19 and embraced them with a positive attitude and commitment to ensure those in need received the support they required.
Because of this commitment, Shepparton Foodshare was able to remain open to service and support the few agencies and programs that were still running.
Shepparton Foodshare manager Grace Grieve said without volunteer support this would not have been possible, which would have seen a large number of individuals and families going hungry throughout that period.
“Our volunteers give endlessly and with so much passion. They give over 125 hours of free time every week - I am just so proud of this award,” Ms Grieve said.
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