Hunter Regional Winners
Hunter Region Volunteer of the Year
Bert Reay of Charlestown
Bert, through his presidency of the Belmont Sailability 16s, provides some 5000 sailing experiences each year to people with disabilities. He was a pioneer in enabling blind people to sail solo by using bells on the sails to know when to change tack, and using a radio chase boat. Bert takes disabled sailors out four days a week for 46 weeks of the year, amounting to 10,000 hours of volunteering throughout the program's ten years of operating. He also staffs the rescue boat. He has been recognised for his efforts as Lake Macquarie Citizen of the Year in 2006 and is helping start another Sailability in Toronto.
His nominator, Mike Peachey, says "Bert Reay is a white haired stocky gentleman with a brusque manner that belies his generous nature."
Hunter Region Youth Volunteer of the Year
Peter Phillipson of Fingal Bay
Peter is the Officer Commanding of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol. He joined the organisation in 1989 after considerable experience as a marine engineer and has held every administrative position since. In that time he has made an outstanding contribution to emergency management in the country. With improved communication and equipment standards he has provided an immeasurable contribution to the boating public, helping save lives every weekend.
His nominator, Michael Stringer says: "Peter epitomises the skill, dedication and generosity in both time, effort and money of the emergency service volunteer."