Federal Member for Burt Matt Keogh’s home-grown volunteer awards have continued for a second year with exemplary community members being awarded.
More than 50 people were nominated for the awards this year meaning the winners were well-deserved people who have made a lasting impact through their volunteer work.
Mr Keogh said he began the awards as a way of thanking those who help make the community a better place and to encourage others to do the same.
“By celebrating our amazing volunteers I hope to showcase some of the positive stories of our community,” he said.
Year 12 student Chloe Hazebroek was awarded the Burt Youth Volunteer Award for her extensive volunteering efforts.
Even though she admits that she was supposed to be focused on exams Chloe has an unending passion for volunteering which has seen her front the Young Vinnies Group at her school, register as an Ambulance Cadet with St John and volunteer at both Darling Range Wildlife Rescue and the Armadale Community Animal Rescue Group.
Somehow through all that she continued to find more energy to help out.
“Sometimes my parents tell me I should be focusing more on my schoolwork but the more volunteering I do the more I want to do it,” she said.
“I just love it.
“There’s no other feeling like getting involved in something that’s bigger than you and actually making a change to where you live or to the lives of people around you.”
Chloe caught the bug during a visit to India where a trip to an orphanage exposed her to those in dire circumstances.
“It really ignited my passion for social justice and making a difference,” she said.
“Seeing that it made me think about the fortunate position I’m in and the power I have in myself to help out.”
As for being awarded Chloe is simply just happy doing what she does.
“I was really surprised to be awarded, I didn’t really realise people were paying that much attention,” she said.
“But it’s so great, I’m really proud to be recognised for what I’m doing.
“I don’t do it for the credit I do it because I love doing it.
“It makes me feel as good as I hope the people around me feel.
“But it is an extra level of recognition, which is really nice.”
