By JESSE GRAHAM
YARRA Valley volunteers were awarded for their work earlier this month, with Casey MP Tony Smith hosting an event to commemorate those who donated time to their community.
On Saturday, 5 December, Mr Smith hosted the annual Casey Community Volunteer Awards, handing out awards to 56 volunteers from across the Yarra Valley.
He said members of schools, sporting groups, emergency services, environmental groups and support services were acknowledged on the day, some for decades of service to their communities.
Healesville and District Historical Society president Kevin Mason received an award, after being nominated by the Badger Creek Hall Committee of Management, for his work in maintaining the hall.
Mr Mason is also a volunteer with Birdlife Australia’s Yarra Valley Branch, the Badger Creek Old School and the Healesville Sanctuary, and has put in decades to some of the groups.
“As usual, I’m pretty humble in receiving awards, for the simple reason that I’m only one of a number of people that are all contributing their time as much as I am,” he told the Mail.
“I think it’s always nice to be recognised, but I look at these as a recognition of the work that our community organisations are doing, and I’m very pleased to be part of these organisations.
“All of these groups, in their own small way, are contributing to the community at large, and I think that’s what drives us all.”
Mr Smith said the Yarra Ranges was “blessed” by its volunteers and their sense of community spirit.
“Without our volunteers, our local community would cease to function,” he said.
“These volunteers touch people’s lives and help to make our community a better place.
“They often go about their business quietly and never seek to receive any recognition, but I think it is important to thank them and congratulate them for their hard work.”
Steels Creek’s Malcolm Calder was nominated by the town’s tennis club for “tireless work” in his community and in Yarra Glen, with work in the Steels Creek Landcare Group, Art Group and Yarra Glen Township Group.
Albert Leckie from Steels Creek was also nominated by the tennis club for his contributions to the club and to the town, particularly through the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.
Yarra Valley Railway member Peter Andersen received an award for his work in restoring the Yarra Glen Railway Station, as part of the redevelopment of the old train line.
Animal Aid’s Carola Bland was recognised for her roles in the organisation, including education officer, welfare kennel receptionist and promotions officer.
Dixons Creek’s Michael Woolands was also awarded for his work with the Dixons Creek Landcare Group and the Northern Blackberry Action Group.
Many other residents in the Upper Yarra, Lilydale and Mount Evelyn areas were also praised for their work to make the communities they live in a better place.
