Award and commendation recipients: Bruce Hannan, Warren Clark, Pam Welsford, Lindy Anderson from Boroondara Document Signing Service, Jenny Cash and Yolande Phillipson.
Our community organisations run largely on volunteer power. The Boroondara Volunteer of the Year Awards acknowledge a special person and a special program for going above and beyond.
2022 Boroondara Volunteer of the Year Award
Jenny Cash
Jenny has volunteered with University of the Third Age (U3A) in Deepdene for more than 12 years.
Jenny has helped deliver hundreds of courses, workshops and events to U3A members, especially seniors. It gives participants the chance to develop skills or delve into new subjects while expanding their social connections.
The award recognises Jenny’s role in expanding U3A membership from 50 to 1,200 people, as well as managing club administration and making U3A’s courses available online during COVID-19.
During COVID-19 we had to bring our courses online for people to stay connected,' says Jenny. 'The response we had from people was so good that we now offer about half of our programs online, allowing people to still be involved, engaged and stay socially linked to the community.
2022 Boroondara Volunteer Program Impact Award
Friends of South Surrey Park – represented by Pam Welsford
Friends of South Surrey Park is a volunteer-run program that brings locals together to help maintain and improve South Surrey Park in Surrey Hills.
Pam Welsford founded the organisation 25 years ago and has led the group ever since.
Members regularly gather to help weed and clear areas to make room for fresh vegetation, especially native plant species.
Even doing something like weeding, for example – you’re doing it with the bigger purpose of giving indigenous plants the best opportunity possible to thrive,' says Pam. 'The work helps to build a community and contributes to better mental health for those involved too.
Special Commendation recipients
We also awarded Special Commendations to Bruce Hannan, Yolande Phillipson, Warren Clark and the Boroondara Document Signing Station to recognise the significant contribution their volunteering efforts have made to the community.
Boroondara Volunteer Expo
The Boroondara Volunteer Expo will be held on Wednesday 22 March from 1 pm to 6 pm at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. Connect with community organisations and find volunteering opportunities matching your interests, skills, and experience. To find out more, visit our Boroondara Volunteer Expo event page.