Volunteering, What A Laugh! Today at the Volunteer of the Year Awards, presented by former Senator Margaret Reid at the Canberra Racecourse, Frank Millburn, a volunteer clown at Canberra Hospital, was chosen, by the judges, as this year's Ambassador for volunteers as the Volunteer of the Year and also recognized in the category of Health. Accepting the Award Frank said "I just make them laugh that's all I do!" Mary Porter, CEO Volunteering ACT, reflecting on Frank's response commented, "Highlighting vital work is the reason Volunteering ACT and the NRMA conduct these Awards. Frank and his fellow clowns regularly bring joy and healing to many seriously ill people in hospital, a place normally associated with pain and suffering. It's a well known medical fact that laughter is the best medicine and Frank dishes it out in spoonfuls! For the first time this year Emergency Services is recognised for its life saving work. The judges awarded 2 people in this category, Doreen Mc Encroe, for services to ACT Emergency Services, and James Bodsworth, from the Guises Creek Bushfire and Emergency Services Brigade. Seven other categories were recognised, Rosemary Blemings recognised for her long and extensive service to environmental protection and regeneration in a number of fields. Angus Gibbons recognised for his contribution to Education through the Home Library Service and his work as an expert explainer of the memorials on Anzac Parade. Angus also tirelessly works for meals on wheels and Oxfam. In the Arts and Heritage category John MacDiarmid is recognised for dedicated and professional service as a volunteer guide at the Australian War Memorial. Like Angus this constitutes the mere tip of the iceberg with regards to his volunteer involvement in numerous activities. In the Community category Catherine Passant, in her 85th year is acknowledged for 24 years of work across a number of community organisations, assisting people experiencing major traumas in their lives. Jean Carnell and Ed Carnell OAM are joint recipients of the Sports Award, for over 40 years service to the ACT Sporting Community. Jenny Wanless is recognised for 22 years of continuous service with Questacon by the Science and Technology Award, contributing 10,000 hours of her time. The judges also wished to commend Shirley Hughston, deceased, for a life time of caring for disadvantaged members of the community; and Margo Hodge for 12 years service to the University Partners English Club, supporting spouses and family members of overseas students in Australia. This is the 10th year that I have been associated with the Awards Margaret Reid said, "I never cease to be amazed at the diversity of roles volunteers perform, they uplift our spirits and give so much, and they are the building blocks of our community without which we would surely crumble. We need more than ever to nurture and grow this spirit of volunteerism in the face of so much that would divide us as a community at the moment. NRMA Insurance ACT and Territory Manager, Phil Newton congratulated the Award recipients and said "NRMA is proud to be associated with these prestigious Awards and with Volunteering ACT , one of the few organisations that publicly acknowledge the role of volunteers in improving the welfare of our community." "We particularly welcome this year's introduction of an Emergency Services Award in light of the recent bushfires that devastated Canberra; however these Awards also recognise the many that go unrecognized in our community for their volunteer contribution" For further information Mary Porter AM, 0414 480 440 6251 4060 BH 6254 6039 AH
|
Volunteering,
What A Laugh!
MEDIA
RELEASE