Sophie Scamps (Mackellar, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Last week was Volunteer Week. In Mackellar, we gathered to recognise and thank our community's wonderful volunteers, and 44 outstanding volunteers received special recognition awards, having been nominated by their community organisations. Those recognised included people from local sporting clubs, disability support groups, domestic violence services, youth organisations, environmental groups and cultural organisations such as Aboriginal Support Group Manly Warringah Pittwater, the Austral-Armenian Association and the Tibetan Learning Centre. We also acknowledge volunteers from Mackellar's surf lifesaving club—including Bob Head, recognised for 70 years of service to Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club; and Chloe Harris, a high-school student recognised for her incredible commitment to Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club. With rising cost-of-living pressures and the ongoing crisis of domestic violence, volunteers from the Northern Beaches Women's Shelter, Meals on Wheels and the Community Pantry continue to step up. Many go above and beyond, like William Harding. He was nominated by three organisations for his work with Bushlink, Salvos Stores Mona Vale and the Manly Warringah District Cricket Club. A special mention goes to Paul Robertson, the executive producer and force behind the wonderful Northern Beaches Music Festival. We often talk about the natural beauty of the Northern Beaches, but Volunteer Week reminds us that it is the people who make our community an incredible place to live.

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