Six exceptional local volunteers have been awarded for their outstanding contributions to the community, in the Burt Volunteer Awards.
The ceremony held on Sunday, August 4, commended the efforts and impact of these local volunteers, celebrating their significant contributions to the community.
The categories awarded were Community Services, disability support, environment, multicultural, Sport and Youth.
Of the 33 nominees, the winners were Georgina Barker (Piara Waters Primary School P&C), Dawn Barker, Carol Hughes (Animal Protection Society of WA), Stephanie Wei Yin Chan (Gosnells Chinese Association), Zara Fear (Armadale Triathlon Club), and Maisara Muzaffar.
Winner of the Disability Support category, Dawn Barker has dedicated her life to supporting those with disabilities, both as a devoted mother to two adult children with disabilities and through her ongoing volunteering work at Good Sammy’s and the Salvation Army.
Barker believes volunteering and serving your community by giving back to others is profoundly fulfilling.
“To see people with disabilities finding employment that makes a difference in their lives is the reason I volunteer. I love being a part of their journey; they just make me feel so happy,” Ms Barker said.
“It’s the most rewarding job you can have in the whole world.”
“When they come up to you and say thank you for helping me, it’s just like, wow, no money can buy that.”
Stephanie Wei Yin Chan, winner of the Multicultural award through her work with the Gosnells Chinese Association, is grateful to be acknowledged.
“It’s an absolute honour to be recognised. There are so many selfless volunteers quietly contributing and not expecting any recognition in return,” Ms Wei Yin Chan said.
“To be nominated already stirs up a heartfelt emotion. To achieve an award tops that sense of gratitude and elation. It’s an affirmation and motivation to go out and give back more to the community.”
Winner of the environmental award Carol Hughes believes her whole team is worthy of the award.
“APS (Animal Protection Society) has many long-term dedicated Volunteers and I enjoy being part of that team. The group I work with are ‘family’, not just work colleagues,” Hughes said.
“We look after beautiful dogs and cats, some with very sad stories and it is such a joy to see them being homed.”
According to Volunteer WA, 1.5 million people in Western Australia are actively involved in volunteering, offering their time for the betterment of the community.
Federal MP for Burt, Matt Keogh, presented the awards and expressed his deep appreciation for the dedication and passion of all volunteers.
“It is clear from the nominations we have such a diverse range of volunteer community organisations that are what makes our community to vibrant and strong,” Mr Keogh said.
“The Burt Volunteer Awards are a way to say thank you to our community’s tireless volunteers. The Awards help promote volunteering to help our community to others, so more join in.”
