Green Point resident, Ms Barbara Behan, was crowned 2015 Central Coast Volunteer of the Year by the Centre for Volunteering at a ceremony at Shelley Beach Golf Club on October 7.
Ms Behan was joined by other category winners Ms Annalise Jones of Wyoming, Ms Alanna Gayko of Mirrabooka and the Red Coat Volunteers from the Central Coast Cancer Centre.
CEO of the Centre for Volunteering, Ms Gemma Rygate, said volunteers improve people’s lives by helping out and keeping people connected.
“New research on volunteering in Australia shows that people give more than 743 million hours of their time each year, they’re the backbone of our community,” Ms Rygate said.
Ms Rygate said Ms Behan won the regional NSW 2015 Award for being a dedicated mentor to more than 30 high school students over the past 15 years.
“As a mentor, Ms Behan helps year 10 students explore career options and provides support to students who are struggling in some way.
“Ms Behan’s independent guidance helps students stay at school, make informed decisions about their future and know they are listened to and supported when students have no one else,” Ms Rygate said.
ClubsNSW CEO, Mr Anthony Ball said the industry was proud to sponsor the Awards Program in order to help recognise volunteers across the state.
“With almost 50,000 volunteers engaged in our industry, clubs across NSW know how vital and valuable volunteers are to their activities and operations. “We appreciate the inspirational role volunteer’s play in our communities to help others.
“These awards are an opportunity to put a spotlight on our volunteers and say thank you,” he said. NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Mr John Ajaka, said the awards were an opportunity to uncover and celebrate the great achievements of volunteers across NSW.
“The NSW Government is proud to sponsor these awards because we understand the profound social and economic value of volunteering. “Volunteers are remarkable people who deserve our recognition,” Mr Ajaka said.
All regional winners will be in the running for the overall NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, which are announced at a gala event on December 4, 2015 to coincide with International Volunteer Day.
Media release, Oct 7, 2015
Kylie Yates, The Centre for
Volunteering