Every year a committed and largely unseen army of volunteers give of their time and skills to enhance and uplift the life of the community within the City of Ryde. The annual Volunteer Recognition Awards aim to acknowledge the contribution made by these unsung heroes.

2011 Winners

Forty-three nominees for the annual Volunteer Recognition Awards were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the community at a celebration held in their honour at the Civic Centre on 9 May 2011.

Volunteer of the Year - Joan Graham

•  Joan has long been associated with New Horizons, a non-profit organisation, that has grown over the years to be a community leader in Mental Health and Disabilities support services.
  
  Recently stepping down as President, a position she held for over 20 years, Joan is a hands-on leader with a strong sense of social justice. She is willing to give her time and energy to support those less fortunate.
  
  As part of a committee of the Ladies Auxiliary at Macquarie Hospital, Joan was instrumental in obtaining a Government Grant to build a factory where people with disabilities could work, on land provided by the Area Health Department and they built the factory.
  
  Joan is a committed community member and her dedication to the needs of people with a disability is inspiring.

Young Volunteer of the Year - Kim Rodgers

• Young people in Ryde have access to an engaging dramatic arts program thanks to Kim Rogers’ work as a Drama Tutor and Director with the Ryde Youth Theatre.
  
  Through the program implemented by Kim, local young people have developed skills in performance, public speaking and group work. Additionally, they have been given the opportunity to gain confidence and self awareness.
  
  To develop the program, that includes workshops and all aspects of production, Kim devoted a great deal of her personal time and energy and has willingly shared her skills and knowledge of the dramatic arts.
  
  Kim volunteers because she feels that she can make a difference. Her Christian background gives her a strong belief that she is called to use her skills to help others.

Group Volunteer of the Year - Achieve Australia - Vintage and Value Enterprises Team

• Achieve Australia Volunteers are a committed group of people whose dedication, knowledge, compassion and fund raising, enhances the lives of people living with a disability in our community.
  
  The Volunteers run the Needlecraft Emporium, Fabric Cave, second hand bookshop, nurseries and an annual fete at Crowle Home in Ryde and have created tremendous goodwill through the local community.
  
  In the past five years their Annual Fete has not only raised awareness for their cause but also more than $80,000 – all to assist people living with a disability.

Find out more

For further enquiries please contact the Events Officer on 9952 8222.