Twenty-one Corangamite Shire residents and groups have been nominated for Community Volunteer Awards in appreciation of their contributions to the community.
The Community Volunteer of the Year, Young Community Volunteer of the Year and Community Event of the Year will be named at the official Council event at the Skipton Mechanics Institute Hall on Friday 26 January.
Mayor Kate Makin said the Awards were a way to acknowledge and congratulate community members for their selflessness and completely voluntary efforts.
"Thank you to the nominees and to everyone who steps up to make our Shire an even more amazing place to live," Cr Makin said.
"Your selfless dedication and tireless efforts are vital to social connection and wellbeing in our community.
"By donating time and expertise, volunteers have an impact beyond their immediate actions, helping build a caring and inclusive environment that inspires others to join in."
"It's always great to see new faces coming along and helping out with committees so I encourage everyone to get involved doing something you love."
The volunteer awards ceremony will start at 10 am and will be followed by a free community barbecue and music by the Lakes and Craters Band.
Margaret Zita OAM will be the special guest speaker at the 2024 Community Volunteer Awards ceremony.
Margaret has a love of family and a passion for life. Ten years across the sporting and media sectors led to a 30 year career in the airline industry. Margaret also volunteered her services to the My Room Children's Cancer Charity and raised awareness and funds to support families, fund clinical care and invest in research that will hopefully lead to a cure for all Childhood Cancers.
With a wealth of knowledge about the issues of Childhood Cancer and the impact it has not only on the children themselves, but also for their families, she embarked on the job she describes as her lifelong passion.
After volunteering for over 20 years, Margaret was appointed My Room's first full time employee in its 30-year history.
She feels privileged and honoured to be in this role, now leading a strong all-volunteer led committee to the next level so that they can continue to make a difference to the lives of so many children and families affected by childhood cancer.
Margaret dedicates many hours to speaking and fundraising to make the 100% cure a reality! Margaret is a mother to three sons aged 26, 21 and 15 years and fur puppy, Molly.
She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the community through charitable initiatives.
Corangamite Shire 2024 Community Volunteer Award Nominees
Community Volunteer of the Year
Ian (Bidge) and Barb Boyd, Camperdown
- Michael Kevin Lee, Terang
- Lynn Patzel, Noorat
- Gabby and Ricky Sachs, Terang
- Chelsea Hatherall, Cobden
- Cheryl Ham, Terang
- Sandy Gibson, Lismore
- Colin Venn, Terang
- Amy Rosolin, Timboon
- Joyce Roberts, Cobden
- Val Maynard, Cobden
- Gary Cronin, Camperdown
- David Hunneybell,
- Chris Place, Tesbury
Young Volunteer of the Year
- Megan Pringuer, Cobrico
- Susanna Ryan, Timboon
