Sydney South / Macarthur Regional Winners
Sydney South / Macarthur Region Volunteer of the Year
Edward Richards of Engadine
Edward J Richards OAM has been a volunteer for 30 years and the State Coordinator of RSL Day Clubs for 22 of those years. There are 67 Day Clubs, a joint venture between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Returned Services League. As State Co-ordinator he is responsible for encouraging establishment of more clubs and the training of the 1300 volunteers to staff them. He has steered the clubs to high standards of OH&S and support and was the driving force behind the Procedures Manual and to establishing financial management standards. His nominator Erica Greig says: "Ted is wise and tactful and can often smooth over what might seem a great problem to others."
Sydney South / Macarthur Region Youth Volunteer of the Year
Amanda Grant of Cronulla
Amanda has captured the hearts and minds of the "tradies" by instigating and founding the Tradies Community Service Volunteer Program. Formed in 2006, the program formalizes support for people in times of need. Her efforts have raised funds within the Sutherland Shire by tradespeople for organisations such as the Salvation Army and the Heart Foundation. She also organised a Tradies' Challenge fun run, with the proceeds being donated to the Minerva Street School for children with multiple and complex disabilities. The program now has six local volunteering partnerships.
Her nominator, Janeen Thompson says: "With the current Generation Y described as self-focussed and existential, Amanda's quality in a young volunteer is both rare and exceptional."
Sydney South / Macarthur Region Senior Volunteer of the Year
Margaret (Peggy) Moore of Miranda
"Peggy" Moore has been part of Gymea North Public School for five years, with her initial interest as a grandmother to one of the older students. She often works up to 10 hours a week in the classroom, assisting with infants who need additional attention because they are experiencing difficulty, or who are gifted and talented. She is an important extension of the school's literacy programs, starting first as a volunteer reader and is now an assessor.
Her nominator, Kathryn Wilson says: "Each child benefits from her love, care and commitment to their learning. She is fondly regarded by students, staff and parents."