Narrabeen Resident is 2008 NSW Senior Volunteer

5 December 2008 | The Centre for Volunteering

Narrabeen resident Lorraine Clark has been named as the 2008 NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year for her contribution over the past 18 years to the Special Olympics program. She was awarded the title by the NSW Minister for Volunteering Graham West in a ceremony at Parliament House today - International Volunteer Day.

Lorraine has a long history of contributing to her community through involvement with children's services, surf life saving, youth programs and disability support services. Special Olympics provides year round sports training and competition for people with an intellectual disability in a variety of Olympic type sports.

As a swimming and basketball coach Lorraine developed a skills-based program that eventuated in athletes achieving a level of competency that made access to training and competition in these sports a realistic goal. The success of her coaching can be measured by the large number of athletes who now compete at regional, State and national competitions.

Lorraine is the Chairperson of the largest Special Olympics region in Australia. With an athlete base of 150-plus members she ensures that administrators, coaches, family members / carers and supporters have realistic expectations of athletes' performance and involvement.

The State judges agreed with her nominator Sam Shallis' recommendation: "This woman is an inspiration, an unsung hero who has enriched the lives of so many athletes with a disability and their families."

• Ashfield resident Shu Fen Wang was named 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year for her work over the past 10 years with the West Region Chinese Association;
• Krystle Marsh was named 2008 NSW Youth Volunteer of the Year for her work with Vinnies and the Australian Red Cross. Krystle has just completed year 12 student at Warilla High School;
• Optus' IT Commercial Director, Karen Carmichael, and Optus have been recognised for mobilising an exemplary Employee Volunteering program at Lurnea High School ... and been named the 2008 NSW Corporate Volunteer of the Year; and
• Layne Beachley, the most successful female surfer of all time and seven-time world champion, and Founder and Chief Executive of the Layne Beachley Aim for the Stars Foundation, has been awarded the inaugural NSW Volunteer Ambassador of the Year Award.

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Award was initiated and coordinated by the peak body for volunteering in NSW, The Centre for Volunteering. All winners from the 16 regions which made up the State final are featured on The Centre's website www.volunteering.com.au

More information

Kristin Romanis
Communications Manager and 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Manager
T 0412 313 359 or 02 9261 3600
E kromanis@volunteering.com.au

About The Centre for Volunteering

The Centre for Volunteering is the peak body for volunteering in NSW. The Centre promotes and supports volunteering and community participation through volunteer referral, advocacy, research, policy and resource development, training, information and education services enhance the capacity and skills of volunteers, not-for-profits, corporations and government to become involved in the community. Visit www.volunteering.com.au