Local volunteers who dedicate their time to helping others have been recognised at the inaugural Redcliffe Volunteer Awards.
Hosted by Redcliffe MP Kerri-Anne Dooley at Redcliffe Dolphins last month, the event recognised volunteers across ten categories.
Ms Dooley said she established the awards to recognise, honour and value volunteers’ contributions, noting that many nominees had spent more than a decade volunteering with the same organisation.
“Our remarkable local volunteers go above and beyond, many every day, and often go unnoticed or can feel undervalued,” she said.
Michelle Gilchrist, who has managed The Breakfast Club Redcliffe Inc for 16 years, was named Redcliffe Volunteer of the Year. The organisation supports people in need, having grown from a small service offering breakfast on Christmas morning to serving over 1000 meals per month. Michelle volunteers more than 40 hours each week.
She described winning the award as “huge” and “unexpected”.
“I don’t do it for recognition, but because I can make a difference,” she said.
Michelle said Redcliffe’s “insular nature” made volunteering particularly important.
“It is great to know there are so many people wanting to give back,” she said. “It’s the strength of Redcliffe.”
Local Volunteers Going Above and Beyond
Grace Lutheran College student Eden Bielby, 14, was nominated for the Youth Volunteer Award. Her volunteering includes umpiring and coaching for Redcliffe Leagues Netball Association, and participating in her school’s interactive outreach programs.
“It was awesome to be nominated,” Eden said. “I don’t do it for recognition though, but it is nice to be able to recognise some of the smaller organisations that have volunteers.”
Nathaniel Giddy, 16, who volunteers with Redcliffe Dolphins Soccer Club, won the Youth Volunteer of the Year Award.
Other recipients included Elaine Brown from Redcliffe Hospital Palliative Care Unit, named Senior Volunteer of the Year, and Redcliffe Hospital Auxiliary, which received the Community Group of the Year Award.
Gary Mayne received the Sporting Volunteer Award for his 12 years with Peninsula Power FC, while Yutaka Tadokoro was recognised in the Arts, Culture and Heritage category for 20 years with The Redcliffe Pottery Group.
Charlie McGrillen and Russell Alderton received the Local Hero Award for performing CPR on a stranger and saving their life.
Melissa Burke, who has volunteered with Oyster Point Scout Group for 28 years, and Samantha Sooveere, who has given 30 years to Clontarf Scout Group, received the Education and Mentoring Award.
Carla Davies was presented with the Environmental Stewardship Award for her 15 years volunteering with Friends of Redcliffe Botanical Gardens, while Colin Clarke, a volunteer with Azure Blue, received the Great Neighbour Award.
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- What’s Hot Around Town
- Podcast Review: The Pub Quiz Pod
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