By Parker McKenzie
Over 41 individuals and four groups received awards for their contribution to the local community at a Volunteer and Community Awards event held by Casey MP Aaron Violi on Saturday 10 December.
Foothills Community Care, Kalorama-Mt Dandenong Fire Brigade and Selby Community House were three community groups rewarded for their work helping people in Casey, alongside individuals from the hills who have contributed in different ways.
Mr Violi said in a statement that volunteers and community groups are the heart of Casey.
“We are fortunate to have so many passionate locals working to strengthen our communities,” he said.
“They give so much of their time and energy to the Casey community, it’s important that they have their hard work recognised and rewarded.”
Founder of Tribe-Monbulk Youth Inc. Belinda Grooby said receiving the award was a reminder about how important it is to have a space for young people to come together.
“It’s nice to be recognized for the work that’s been done in the background to keep empowering young people in the area,” she said.
“The biggest issue for us is that we don’t charge membership, we want to make sure that we are 100 per cent inclusive so that every young person has the opportunity to come and engage in our space.
“What that means is that we are desperate for extra funding and depending on what our funding streams look like next year will be dependent on what we do.”
Upwey Men’s Shed President Gerran Wright, Belgrave South Scout Group Keith Atkin, MADCOW’s Vice President Paul Utting, Selby Community House volunteer Judy Wolff and Upwey Township Group’s Linda Fullagar were other hills locals who won an award.
Michelle Hall, who was nominated for her work with Monbulk Lady Nighthawks Country Women’s Association, said it was a nice surprise to win the award, which is the first she has won since she started volunteering at 16.
“We do the produce market each month at Monbulk and sell items, but all the money goes back to the community, helping people whether locally or overseas,” she said.
“This year, we’ve helped people locally with hospital bills that get really expensive; we’ve donated some money to the girl guides and plenty of other things.”
Ms Grooby said it was an honour to be in the room with “so many incredible, amazing people.”
“The pool of volunteers is really the lifeblood of a community organisation or a sporting club,” she said.
“They are what keep these organizations running and ticking.”
