A GROUP of eastern suburbs residents were recognised for decades worth of service at the Volunteer Service Awards on International Volunteer Day this month.
Eight justices of the peace including Maurice Fawcett of Mirrabooka, Ross Bignell of Caversham and Gwendoline Fenech OAM of Bassendean were presented their awards by WA Governor Kerry Sanderson and Volunteering Minister Mick Murray.
Mr Fawcett, who held executive positions in the state and national JP bodies for 48 years, said he was honoured to have received the award after putting in hard work at the Midland and Perth courts.
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READ NOWMr Bignell said he stopped working at the Midland courthouse because of his age and now spent time travelling with his wife.
“(Volunteering) was something that I carried on when I was in the army,” he said.
“In the army, we had the court room procedure pretty much on a daily basis.
“It is important that there are people that are able to help.”
Ms Fenech, who served as a JP for 42 years, said she volunteered at the St Joseph’s Catholic Church and was part of the Bassendean Melody Club and Broadway Band over the years.
“It has got to be in your heart to be a volunteer,” she said.
“If you have been awarded something, I think it is only proper to just do your best.
“You go into being a volunteer because you love to do something for people; its pay-back to the community.”
Mr Murray said in WA about 80 per cent of people volunteered their time to contribute to the running of at least one organisation, and most maintained their volunteer activity throughout their lives.
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