Outstanding individuals from across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven were honoured at the 2015 Kiama Electorate Community Recognition Awards on Friday.
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Member for Kiama Gareth Ward hosted the event together with special guest and Minister for Ageing, Disability Services and Multiculturalism, John Ajaka, also Minister with responsibility for Volunteering.
“All nominees in the 2015 Kiama Electorate Community Recognition Awards are a real credit to our local community,” Mr Ward said.
“I am extremely pleased that some committed and talented local volunteers and emergency services personnel could receive such deserving recognition.”
Mr Ajaka said in his address that it is estimated volunteers save the state $6 billion each year, in what would otherwise be paid employment.
“We know many people are volunteering in many different ways,” Mr Ajaka said.
“It is important we have a strategy to acknowledge our volunteers.
“We went out to consult throughout NSW to ascertain what more we can do to ensure we have more volunteers when we need them.
“Just about everyone interviewed came out with the exact same comment, either ‘I really would love to volunteer’ or ‘I currently volunteer but would like to volunteer more, but I don’t know how’.
“We have an obligation as a government to assist our volunteer organisations and get that information out.
“Most importantly we need to acknowledge our volunteers.”
The winners of the categories are as follows: Outstanding local volunteer - Darrell Clingan of Werri Beach; Conservation champion - Alma Macpherson of Gerringong; Outstanding young person in business - Taylor Hudson and Jack Alexander of The Hungry Monkey, Kiama; Outstanding small business person - Marie Beikmanis of Lush Flowers and Gifts, Kiama; Outstanding emergency service volunteer - Chris Warren of Kiama NSW SES Unit; Junior sports star - Jenna Bentley of Werri Beach; Outstanding young citizen - Naomi Robinson of Kiama Downs; Outstanding citizen - Bill Popple of Gerringong.