The Shire of Murray honoured the region’s best volunteers in a special Volunteer Sundowner and Awards event for National Volunteer Week.
This year’s awards consisted of three categories including Young Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year 25 years and over and the new Sport and Recreation Volunteer of the Year category.
Recognition was also paid to volunteers who reached their 10 and 20 year community service milestones.
“Volunteers are essential in the Shire of Murray and often work behind the scenes, with little acknowledgement for their time and services donated,” Shire of Murray president Maree Reid.
“Their dedication and support is vital in strengthening our community and it is important that we capitalise on the opportunity to thank them for their continued commitment, loyalty to, and support of the Shire of Murray.”
Ms Reid said the calibre of the 2017 was truly remarkable and the winners were most deserving of the acknowledgment.
This year’s Young Volunteer of the Year was 11-year-old Dylan, an active volunteer at the last three Pinjarra Festivals and community Christmas celebrations.
He has also participated in the Shire of Murray Relay for Life team, walking hours to raise awareness and funding for cancer research.
Resident David Jones was the recipient of the 2017 Sport and Recreation Volunteer of the Year, for the countless hours he has dedicated to the Pinjarra Football Club over the last ten years.
Mr Jones has volunteered in a number of roles at the club and now holds the title of team manager for all three football grades.
Murray’s Volunteer of the Year 25 years and over was Robert ‘Bluey’ Wilson.
Mr Wilson has volunteer for more than 35 years in the Fire Rescue Service (FRS) and Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade (VBFB).
He possesses a wealth of fire and rescue knowledge and his actions have saved several communities, both locally and further afield.
He currently holds the rank of chief bushfire control officer for the Shire of Murray and mentors young volunteer fire fighters to get them ready to take on higher ranks.
Robert was also recognised for 20 years of volunteer service at the West Murray Fire Station while resident Les Giles was also recognised for 20 years of service on the Board for Bedingfeld Park.
Rodger May Museum volunteers Mick Divall, Ken Millar, Dave Berry, Roger May, Ron Nightingale, Elaine Berry, Trev Tapper and Howard Johnston were also praised for 10 years of service.
National Volunteer Week is an annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers.
