South Yunderup resident Aileen Bulstrode and Greenfields resident Robert Anderson were two of 52 long-time volunteers acknowledged with a WA Volunteer Service Award last Wednesday.
Ms Bulstrode was recognised for her 37 year years of volunteering with the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), for which she served as Perth and State President during her time.
She first became involved to help with a program called ‘Friends of the North’, to support young women from the north-west region living in boarding schools in Perth.
“Families had to send their children to boarding school or university in Perth, and sometimes they would write home and they would say they were homesick, and needed somebody to talk to, so we had a little committee that would go out and talk to these girls,” Ms Bulstrode said.
“Sometimes the problem was over, whereas the parents in the Kimberley were still worrying about it, so you’d get back to them and tell them it was all cleared up.”
As president she helped to open a YWCA hostel on William Street, though it is no longer in operation, and also got to meet the Queen when Her Majesty visited Perth.
“I’ve had an interesting life with the YWCA… it’s given back to me, as much as I gave to them,” she said.
Mr Anderson’s award was presented for his 48 years as a Justice of the Peace (JP), and five as a Commissioner of Declarations.
He decided to take on the role of JP in 1968.
“When I was working in Perth I was called upon frequently to witness documents for the Taxation Office,” Mr Anderson said.
“Nowadays of course i’m past my used-by date, cos I’m too old to sit on the bench, but I’ll still be called upon to witness Family Court matters and things like that.”
He said the public should consider becoming JP’s because it was a very useful role, being available to help the public.
“It feels really good that the services which you’ve given are being acknowledged,” he said.
The WA Volunteer Service Awards recognise volunteers who have provided 25 or more and 50 or more years of service to one organisation.
Seniors and volunteering minister Paul Miles said it was important to recognise the valuable and ongoing contribution made by volunteers in Western Australian communities.
"I commend all the volunteers for their outstanding contributions over many years to their organisations and to the community," Mr Miles said.
"Without volunteers, some organisations simply would not be able to provide services needed to support some of our most vulnerable citizens.”