NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK 16 – 22 MAY 2022
19 May 2022
This week is National Volunteer Week (NVW), Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering.
George Town Council celebrated our local volunteer community with a morning tea and award ceremony. The George Town community was invited to nominate volunteers in our municipality in 4 categories for the Volunteer Service Awards.
Nominations closed on Monday the 2nd of May and we received many high-quality nominations, which made it tough to determine the winners.
On Thursday the 19th of May we celebrated our local volunteers with a morning tea and presented the George Town Volunteer Service Awards.
Mayor Greg Kieser presented the award winners with flowers, gift card, and certificate, also presented a gift.
This year’s award winners are:
- Jo Hart – Volunteer Service Award (service up to 5 years)
- Heather Dodge – Major Volunteer Service Award (5 to 10 years of service)
- Michael Spinks – Outstanding Volunteer Award (service over 10 years)
- Jan Headford – Lifetime Volunteer Service Award (service over 20 years)
Jo Hart, the Volunteer Service Award winner, wears her heart and passion on her sleeve and inspires others to want to do more. She has been committing hours and hours of her time serving and building the George Town community. Her passion has a ripple effect on the people she has inspired through her work. She believes in the people in her community and gives them a sense of purpose—an active volunteer across multiple groups in our community. Jo spends most of her time at the Future Impact Group, Low Head Community Garden, Placemaking Committee, and the George Town Chamber of Commerce. There’s even a rumour that she bakes for meetings to bring people together. If you have crossed paths with her, you will know she is humble, supportive, and approachable.
Heather Dodge, the Major Volunteer Service Award winner, has been described as the calm in the storm. Nothing seems to phase her as she keeps her team focused. She has created a number of fundraising events in our community. She epitomises the theme of “service above self” and “serve to change lives” as she always looks for opportunities to help others. She loves her local community and if she believes she can support and enhance her community by volunteering, she will always say yes. With the experience she possesses, it is heartening to see her share her knowledge with other volunteers. Rumour has it that she is a great cook!
The Rotary Club of George Town and the George Town Chamber of Commerce have been very grateful for her contribution. As a board member and catering director of the Rotary Club of George Town, she seamlessly runs the club’s fundraising catering events which have helped the club raise significant funds, which in return are used to support the George Town Community. This year alone, the fundraising events have raised over $20,000, which will be spent in the local community. Her role with the George Town Chamber of Commerce as a Liaison Officer has enabled the organisation to support local businesses in George Town and surrounding areas.
Michael Spinks, the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award winner, has been the backbone of the George Town Football Club for over 15 years. His contribution and commitment to the club has been unconditional through a very tough period. His hours of volunteering have seen him hold a number of positions from the president, vice president, treasurer, publicity officer, bar manager, and many other game-day roles. His long-time commitment to the club has ensured its survival. He has continued to perform his roles in very challenging times and remained an avid supporter. His ongoing involvement has been outstanding. In recent years, he has developed new skills and knowledge to ensure the club grows and is accountable within the community. He has shown pride and passion and will do whatever it takes to benefit his local football club. A life member of the George Town Football Club who is always happy to learn new skills and work for the betterment of the club.
Jan Headford, the Lifetime Volunteer Service Award winner, has committed more than 20 years of service to promoting our beautiful municipality of George Town. With a strong connection and commitment to our community, she has volunteered her time at the Visitor Information Centre. She loves promoting George Town and sharing her knowledge and experience with all the visitors. She enjoys interacting with the community and helping them with their travel plans. She has also volunteered for the Red Cross Meals on Wheels for over 10 years—a welcoming, friendly, and helpful volunteer who loves her community.
Thank you to all the nominees, award winners and volunteers for making a difference in our community.
