Volunteers across the Tamworth region were recognised today at the annual Community Volunteer of the Year Awards in a live broadcast hosted at The Lands Building, Tamworth.
Tamworth Region Mayor, Cr Col Murray said; "We have been challenged by COVID-19 and the social distancing restrictions put in place by the State and Federal Governments. Taking the awards online has allowed us to recognise and thank the volunteers in our community."
This year, there were more than 30 nominations across the four categories; youth, adult, senior and teams. The youngest nominated volunteer is just 16 years of age and the oldest volunteer is 90 years of age.
Tamworth Regional Council, Volunteer Coordinator, Veronica Filby said; "The number of nominations was up from previous years and the range of activities and organisations covered was incredible to see."
"Each winner will be automatically nominated in the NSW Volunteer of the Year awards organised by the NSW Centre for Volunteering, which will be announced later in the year," Ms Filby said.
The winner of the Youth Category for people aged 24 years or younger was Emily Madirazza, who was commended for her dedication to the Tamworth Regional Youth Council and the Festival Community Volunteer Ambassador Program. In her role as a member of the Youth Council, Emily coordinated two environmental and sustainable activities to raise awareness of the need to protect the environment.
Sally Cronberger took out the win in the Adult Category for volunteers aged between 25 and 64 years. Ms Cronberger has been a tireless charity worker for more than 40 years, organising and working in kitchens for many fundraisers. Organising and working at the VIEW Club's International Women's Day Luncheon, Soup and Damper Day at the Duri Hall for the Hospital Auxiliary and organising the kitchen at the Currabubula Art Show are just some of the fundraising efforts that Ms Cronberger is involved in.
The winner of the Senior Category for volunteers 65 years and older was Peter Scorgie for his dedication to Tamworth Meals on Wheels. Mr Scorgie has been the President of the Tamworth Meals on Wheels for 13 years and prior to that volunteered as a driver and committee member. He has been instrumental in sourcing funding and donations to build the current kitchen.
This year, joint winners were announced in the Team Category for teams or groups of volunteers.
The Tamworth Visitor Information Centre volunteer team was recognised for being the backbone of the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre and assisting with the day-to-day operations. They provide a number of skills including customer service, meeting and greeting 95,000 visitors through the door each year, answering the phones and keeping stock of brochures. They are the face of Tamworth for many visitors, and create a positive first impression.
The second winning team in the Team Category was announced as the Australian Country Music Foundation volunteers. The team consists of seven volunteers who are dedicated to their work, ensuring that the history and objects associated with Australian Country Music are preserved and ready for the community to view and learn about. The team keeps the museum going by maintaining the background administration and object care.
The Overall 2020 Community Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Sally Cronberger, the winner of the adult category. In addition to her work in the kitchen for many fundraisers, Ms Cronberger was praised for her can-do attitude.
