By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
SCHOOL students and long-term volunteers were among those celebrated at the inaugural La Trobe Community Awards held on 18 October.
The awards are presented to residents of La Trobe that best fit the description of ‘going above and beyond for their community.’
This year, the 27 recipients came from organisations ranging from schools and charity organisations to emergency services and environmental groups.
The highest honour, the La Trobe Medallion, was awarded to two recipients due to the exceptionally high quality of applicants.
The first recipient was Mrs Gwen Horner who has given 60 years of service to a number of community organisations, including Sassafrass and Ferny Creek Fire Brigade, Ferny Creek Tennis Club and Ewing Memorial and Uniting Church.
At 82 years old, Gwen is still an integral member of several local groups and a treasured member of the community and says that she believes volunteers are a vital part of a healthy community.
“Volunteering is a great thing because there is always work to be done, and when I am able to help I always have.
“The thing I like most about volunteering is meeting people. I’ve come across so many amazing people during my time as a volunteer.”
The second award was given to Ms Sharyn Thomas, the Director of the Hills Autism and Special Needs Support Group. She also volunteers at the Emerald and Belgrave South Community Houses where she runs weekly cooking and life skills classes for people with special needs. Sharyn also runs a group called ‘We Made It’, which make craft items with people affected by autism or special needs to be sold at the Emerald market craft store.
Local MP Jason Wood was in attendance at the night and said that it was important to recognise those who had made outstanding contributions to the community.
“I’m so glad we’ve had the opportunity to recognise the outstanding members of our community.
“All of our Community Awards Recipients have demonstrated, through much hard work and effort, what it means to give back to our community in a way that is not so common – particularly Gwen and Sharyn.”
