FIVE Greater Shepparton locals were recognised for their contributions to the community at last night’s 2021 Greater Shepparton Volunteer Recognition Awards.
The ceremony, held at Riverlinks Eastbank, saw five locals awarded for their volunteering to help support and improve the wider Greater Shepparton community.
The five award recipients were:
Young Volunteer: Tom Saxton
Adult Volunteer: Severin Duhring
Volunteer Team: Shepparton Foodshare
Long Serving Volunteer: Geoff Long and Gwen Wallace
Now in its eleventh year, these awards attracted an impressive 24 nominations, with entrants volunteering their time with various organisations, service clubs and sporting groups across the region.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Kim O’Keeffe congratulated each of the five winners on their award.
“I congratulate and commend each of the recipients of the 2021 Greater Shepparton Volunteer Recognition Awards,” she said.
“While every entry we received was deserving of an award, the five winners were carefully selected for their impressive displays of dedication to their community over a number of years. These awards recognise that their effort and commitment are acknowledged and appreciated.”
Due to the extremely high calibre of entries received, this year saw two recipients receive the Long Serving Volunteer Award.
Both Geoff Long and Gwen Wallace have each given back to Greater Shepparton for many decades, with Cr O’Keeffe thanking them for their ongoing contribution.
“Volunteers, such as Geoff and Gwen, are examples of members of our community who commit much of their lives to volunteering. Both recipients are extremely deserving of the award,” she said.
“Our region relies heavily on the work of volunteers. There are many events, community organisations and service clubs who would not be able to operate without the continued support they receive. “
