It’s time for people in the Dunsborough region to reward their volunteers with a nomination for the Naturaliste Gratitude Awards, announced every January on Australia Day.
Chair of the Dunsborough Progress Association Jacquie Happ said Award nominations were now being accepted to recognise the immense efforts by the volunteer workforce in supporting and enriching the Dunsborough community.
One of this year’s recipients, Kelly Everett, urged people to nominate a volunteer.
Ms Everett said it was very humbling to receive the Award and have her volunteer work acknowledged publicly.
“Sometimes the work undertaken by volunteers is very hidden and unseen. But when you receive an Award it’s like ‘oh, people do know that I’m doing stuff’.
“It gives you that buzz and the energy to keep going when times gets tough volunteering, as sometimes it does, because we’re always short of volunteers,” she said.
Ms Everett received her 2019 Award for her ongoing contribution as a St Johns Ambulance volunteer and committee member, and for her work with WA Scouts.
Jacquie Happ said Dunsborough volunteers like Kelly worked diligently in many areas from sport, the environment, health, the Arts, schools and supporting community services such as the fire brigades and St John’s Ambulance.
“They are often quiet achievers who strengthen and keep the local community group together. Volunteers are constantly there in the background, contributing their time and efforts to fundraisers or working together on projects,” Mrs Happ said.
“They work on diligently and without a fuss. So, these Awards are an opportunity for the community to recognise their efforts and thank them,” she said.
Mrs Happ said achievements this year, past achievements and any ongoing contribution to the community were all considered when choosing Award recipients.
“We also can grant an Award posthumously in recognition of recent achievements.”
Details of the eligibility criteria are available on the Association’s Facebook page. Nomination forms can be obtained by emailing president@dunsboroughprogress.com.au
Nominations close at the end of next month – 30 November. They should be posted to PO Box 63 Dunsborough WA 6281 or emailed to president@dunsboroughprogress.com.au
