THE 10th annual Greater Shepparton Volunteer Recognition Awards were celebrated online this year after COVID-19 restrictions meant the usual ceremony at Riverlinks Eastbank was not possible.
The awards, which are an opportunity to recognise and thank volunteers who contribute their time and energy for the good of the Greater Shepparton community, are split into five categories and this year received 21 nominations.
Greater Shepparton Volunteer Recognition Awards recipients:
Female Volunteer of the Year
Bree Findlay
For the past five years, Bree has volunteered with the Lighthouse Project and has contributed a great amount of time and effort to projects and programs. Bree helped fundraise for the Mooroopna Park Primary School Healthy Food Program which ensures 155 students are fed each day.
Male Volunteer of the Year (joint winners)
Alex Sislov
Alex volunteers his time with the Lighthouse Project working with the Mooroopna Park Primary School students in the Life Skills program. He is an active member of the Murchison CFA and frequently volunteers to teach young people skills in woodwork.
Peter Findlay
Peter volunteers his time with the Youth Referral and Independent Person Program, attending police interviews for young people where a parent or guardian cannot be present. Peter ensures he is available at any time of the day to support vulnerable young people.
Youth Volunteer of the Year
Fazela Abbasi
Fazela has volunteered a great amount of time in the past eight months within the local Afghani/Hazara Community to support new arrival families and culturally and linguistically diverse communities in adjusting to a new lifestyle in Australia.
Long Serving Volunteer of the Year
Leigh Bamford
Leigh has influenced the lives of many people as a volunteer over a 30-year period. Leigh has provided support to the Department of Health and Human Services, Shepparton Tourist Information Centre, Goulburn Valley Health, Mercy Aged Care, St Brendan’s Catholic Church and much more.
Team Volunteer of the Year
Heartbeat Victoria Goulburn Valley Branch
Heartbeat Victoria was established 33 years ago as a group of volunteers providing peer support activities for those and their families who are affected by heart conditions.
