THE efforts of Murray volunteers were acknowledged and celebrated at a sundowner and awards event in Pinjarra as part of the Shire of Murray’s annual National Volunteer Week Program.
Forty-eight volunteers who reached their 10 or 20 year service milestone were also recognised.
Nominations were across three categories including Young Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Community Group of the Year and Volunteer of the Year over 25.
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READ NOWJared Evans won the 2018 Young Volunteer of the year for his ongoing efforts with Hotham Valley Tourist Railway.
Shire president David Bolt said Jared had been an active member of the railway for several years and his keen interest in railways had seen him participate in several activities including passenger attendance, waiting and kitchen hand responsibilities as well as helping with track work, locomotives and rolling stock maintenance.
Other nominees included Kaitie Worthington for her efforts on the myVoice Youth Reference group and Murray Music and Drama Club volunteers Michaela Gosby and Zoe Lyons for ongoing dedication to club operations while Michaela was also acknowledged for her volunteer work with Harvey Agricultural College and Riding for the Disabled.
Bedingfeld Ladies Auxilliary, who work tirelessly raising funds and running the kiosk at the lodge, was named Volunteer Community Group of the year.
Pinjarra Red Cross was recognised for its help at hospitals and blood banks, providing transport for the sick, accommodation and services for events and relief aid.
Volunteer of the year aged 25 and over was Marie Paterson for services to Pinjarra Red Cross.
Over 43 years, Ms Paterson has arranged transport for patients and hospital appointments and manned the hospital canteen.
She was also a volunteer at the former Pinjarra Tourist Bureau for almost 30 years.
Other nominees included Murray Music and Drama Club’s Grace Crawford with more than 30 years service and Cathy Puzey and Jeane Savage, members for 27 and 28 years.
Elaine Berry was recognised for work at Edenvale and the Roger May Museum, Allen Grieves for 10 years service to Yunderup Sport and Recreation Club and Murray District Bowling League, Brooke Webster for establishing and running Pinjarra Possum Girl Guides and Michael O’Donnell for more than 28 years service to the Returned Services League as well as 18 years as a member of Mandurah-Murray Vietnam Veterans Group, Peel Trails Group and Pinjarra RSL sub branch.
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