MP Nick Wakeling with the 2008 Victoria Day Award nominees.By Laura Gilmartin
MORE than 30 volunteers have been honoured in this year’s Victoria Day Award Ceremony.
The first annual ceremony, which was held on Tuesday 1 July, celebrated the anniversary of Victorian self-governance, established in 1851.
Ferntree Gully MP Nick Wakeling said the awards, which were held at Rowville Community Centre, aimed to congratulate local volunteers on their hard work.
“Volunteers play an essential role in our local community and Victoria Day provides a fantastic opportunity to give them the recognition they deserve for their countless hours of service,” he said.
Among the nominees was Ferntree Gully Salvation Army volunteer Elaine Ashley.
Ms Ashley has helped run the organisation’s community store for nearly 11 years, during which time she has helped raise more than $1 million dollars.
Commanding officer of the Ferntree Gully Salvation Army Major Merv Lincoln nominated Ms Ashley based on her ‘outstanding work’.
“We couldn’t think of anyone more worthy of that honour,” he said.
Also acknowledged was 20-year-old Mt Evelyn resident Kieran Simpson.
The full-time electrician began volunteering with children with disabilities when he was just 14 years old.
He now averages more than 800 hours of volunteer work per year.
Mr Simpson said he felt honoured to be nominated for the acknowledgment when he had ulterior motives for volunteering.
“I just love having fun with the kids,” he said.
