2023 Wannon Sport and Volunteer Award recipient (middle) Cindy Benson, from Hamilton, for volunteering at Western District Health Service, and creating ‘comfort cushions’ out of a deceased family member’s clothing item, with (left) Wannon MP, Dan Tehan and (right) Mortlake community leader, Mick Murphy OAM. Photo: SUPPLIED.
LAST Friday, volunteers living in the Wannon electorate were officially honoured in a ceremony at Mortlake for the 2023 Wannon Sport and Volunteer Awards hosted by local MP, Dan Tehan and including special guest speaker, Mick Murphy OAM.
Mr Murphy calls Mortlake home and has himself a long list of roles held over the years including Moyne mayor and chairs of several regional industry and community organisations, hence his Order of Australia medal.
Mr Tehan said, “these awards are a very special event in my calendar, as they allow me to thank the community and show my appreciation”.
“The Volunteer Awards are an opportunity to recognise the volunteers and show them how much I value their contribution to the community through their volunteering,” he said.
“It is also a fabulous opportunity to showcase volunteers’ great work in our community.
“This year, I had a tremendous number of applications, and I was delighted to read about the individuals and groups who have inspired and promoted the spirit of volunteerism, who, through their time and effort, have helped make our local community a better place.”
Locals in the south-west who received recognition were:
Youth Volunteer
- Justin Mutch (Balmoral) - Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre swimming fundraiser
- Jack Thorp (Portland) - Portland BMX Club junior committee member
Inspiring Individual
- Cindy Benson (Hamilton) - Western District Health Service volunteer / creating ‘comfort cushions’
- Melissa Schulz (Strathkellar) - Hamilton Riding for the Disabled Centre volunteer
- Sandra Addinsall (Macarthur) - volunteer work for Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal
- Nick Grimmer (Port Fairy) - Junior soccer league establishment
- Edward Harris (Mortlake) - Mortlake Recreation Reserve volunteer
- Shaun Murrihy (Port Fairy) - Port Fairy Football Netball Club volunteer
- Madeline Sutton (Heywood) - Portland BMX Club volunteer
- Jennifer Johns (Portland West) - Friends of the Great South West Walk Committee president
- Roger Middleton (Portland) - Portland BMX Club committee roles
- Stella Middleton (Portland) - Portland BMX Club junior committee member
Groups
- Port Fairy Folk Festival Committee volunteers
- Australian Volunteer Coast Guard VF17 Portland volunteers
Member of Parliament
- Bruce Caslake (Portland) - St John Ambulance volunteer
