- 1,248 volunteers recognised at the 2024 WA Volunteer Service Awards today
- Awards honour volunteers with 5-60+ years of service
- Awards held as part of National Volunteer Week
Volunteering Minister Don Punch has congratulated the 1,248 dedicated volunteers recognised today at the State Government's WA Volunteer Service Awards.
The awards, held during National Volunteer Week, recognise the significant efforts of volunteers across Western Australia.
This year the award categories were expanded to recognise the contributions of even more volunteers. Award categories now recognise volunteers from five years voluntary service to 60 years or more.
Six volunteers received a Lifetime of Voluntary Service Award at this year's ceremony with more than 60 years of service each.
Among the 1,248 volunteers to receive recognition were:
- Glenorchy Cumming-Summors OAM with 73 years of service to the Girl Guides WA. As a lifetime member of the Girl Guides WA, Glenorchy has provided invaluable contributions and impacted positively on countless lives;
- Bavali Hill for 30 years of service to Solaris Cancer Care. Bavali has volunteered weekly for the past 30 years and currently runs a free meditation group for clients diagnosed with cancer and their families;
- Antonio Amaral for 20 years of service to Riding for the Disabled Group Carine including horse handling and assisting with riders; and
- Natalie Jarvis for 10 years of volunteering service to Albany Roller Derby League since its inception in 2014. Natalie has served as President for the past seven years, while also undertaking roles as a coach, team captain, grants and sponsorship officer and media representative.
The WA Volunteer Service Awards, run by the Department of Communities, are now in their 12th year and have recognised more than 3,579 volunteers to date.
The awards represent just one of the ways the Cook Government recognises and celebrates the contributions volunteers make to the community.
National Volunteer Week runs from Monday 20 to Friday 26 May 2024, with this year's theme being 'Something for Everyone'.
Visit www.volunteeringwa.org.au for more information.
As stated by Minister for Volunteering Don Punch:
"The Volunteer Service Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the contributions of long-serving volunteers across Western Australia.
"Now in their 12th year, the awards have recognised an incredible 3,579 volunteers to date.
"On behalf of the Cook Government, I want to thank all the incredible volunteers in WA who generously donate their time.
"Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and boost overall wellbeing, while making our communities even better places to live.
"There is a diverse range of volunteer opportunities across the State there is something for everyone."
