A stellar line-up of local volunteers have been honoured for their leadership and generosity at the second annual Bass Coast Community Awards.
The awards, held following National Volunteer Week - where we celebrated the 20% of Bass Coast residents who give back through volunteering-acted as a closing ceremony to celebrate the best of Bass Coast and recognise the everyday people who inspire the community around them.
This year saw a strong set of nominations across the four awards categories, with judges given the difficult task of choosing a recipient.
Mayor Cr Clare Le Serve said the selfless dedication of the region's volunteers and community groups helped make Bass Coast one of the best places to live in Victoria.
"Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community. They are the faces behind the clubs we love, the people who spend hours after their day jobs have finished working to help others. They are out rain, hail or shine to keep our community safe, bring art to life, teach new skills and foster the next generation of leaders," she said.
"These awards celebrate the best of our diverse Bass Coast life and provide inspiration for us all. Our volunteers are the true heart and spirit of our community."
We are proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Bass Coast Community Awards:
Community Leader Award
Mandy Chancellor
The community leader award recognises outstanding individuals who consistently seek to inspire and educate others.
Mandy is the unit controller of San Remo SES - she, like many other SES volunteers - is out working and helping people, often in very trying conditions, while the rest of us sleep.
Everyone who meets Mandy talks about her palpable passion and her ability to build up the team around her, and her focus on fostering and developing younger members of the unit.
Next Generation Leader Award
Bailey Webster
This award recognises exceptional young people in our community. Those who demonstrate leadership, courage and inspire people around them.
At 15 years old, Bailey has shown incredible drive and passion. He is a powerful advocate for the Bass Coast Youth Community and is a key member of the Bass Coast Youth Advisory Council.
Community Group Award
Phillip Island Boardriders Club
This award recognises the volunteer groups and clubs that make up the fabric of our community.
Under the leadership of club president Hannah Eisen, the Boardriders club has significantly expanded its role in promoting women's participation in the surf industry, along with offering programs that foster a mental health and wellbeing.
Contribution to Arts and Culture Award
Phillip Island Contemporary Exhibition Space
This award recognises the outstanding contribution to arts and culture in Bass Coast.
The Phillip Island Contemporary Exhibition Space, or PICES, has for many years promoted, supported and educated local artists, visitors and community members about the arts.
Under the inspiring leadership of Sandra Peeters, PICES continues to bring art to the forefront of our community and fosters emerging talent to be their best.
