The effort of Peel’s most valuable volunteers was recognised and honoured during the 10th edition of the Peel Volunteer Awards on Monday.
The awards, organised by the Peel Volunteer Resource Centre, celebrate the hard work of the region’s volunteers and their commitment to local organisations, shires, emergency services, sporting clubs and aged care facilities.
After more than 30 years being on call 24/7 to assist those in need in emergencies, Phillip Rance received the 2016 Volunteer of the Year award.
Mr Rance is the manager of Mandurah’s SES branch, is in charge of the SES peer support program and is a senior instructor in map and navigation, 4wd off road and ATU.
He looks after 83 volunteers and provides courses to other units nation-wide.
“Phil’s confident, calm manner and compassion for others in his peer support role has touched the lives of many SES volunteers and people who have been affected by natural hazard emergencies,” the award statement read.
The Peel Youth Volunteer of the Year award was given to Darcy Elms for his trajectory as a volunteer from a very young age.
Mr Elms started volunteering as a scout in multiple fundraising and clean-up events before becoming an active member of the Volunteer Fire Brigade and undergoing firefighting and life-saving training.
He has also been a member of the Student Council and the Alcoa Community Consultation Group, and has received several awards for his leadership skills and volunteering commitment.
More recently, Mr Elms also played an important role during the Yarloop and Dwellingup bushfires.
40 years of service as a player, umpire and committee member at the Waroona Amateur Basketball Association earned Annette Mason the Peel Sport and Recreation Volunteer of the Year Award.
Ms Mason has also been involved in several other clubs and programs, including KidSport, the Waroona Netball Association and the Waroona Dance Club.
Wheeler Airfield manager Raalin Wheeler also received a Special Recognition award for his effort managing and maintaining Wheeler Airfield and keeping the communities of Murray, Waroona, Harvey and Mandurah safe.
