General News
25 October, 2023
Locals honoured at Volunteer Awards
LOCAL volunteers were among those toasted for their continued efforts to better their communities at an award ceremony on Friday.
LOCAL volunteers were among those toasted for their continued efforts to better their communities at an award ceremony on Friday.
Member for Wannon Dan Tehan hosted the 2023 Wannon Sport and Volunteer Awards at the ceremony on Friday in Mortlake.
“The Wannon Sport and Volunteer Awards provide the opportunity for not only me but the community to express our gratitude and thanks to our recipients but also inspire others to take up the opportunities,” he said.
Guest speaker Mick Murphy OAM joined Mr Tehan to present the Volunteer Awards.
He shared his insights and experience as a recognised Mortlake community member for outstanding achievement and service to the community.
Mr Tehan congratulated all recipients.
“These awards are a very special event in my calendar, as they allow me to thank the community and show my appreciation,” he said.
“The Volunteer Awards are an opportunity to recognise the volunteers and show them how much I value their contribution to the community through their volunteering.
“It is also a fabulous opportunity to showcase volunteers' great work in our community.
“This year, I had a tremendous number of applications, and I was delighted to read about the individuals and groups who have inspired and promoted the spirit of volunteerism, who, through their time and effort, have helped make our local community a better place.”
Volunteer awards were presented to:
Marie Oborne – She has shown incredible dedication and commitment to volunteering over a period of seven decades. Mrs Oborne is a local Cobden icon due to her selfless contribution to both the Cobden Football Netball Club and the Cobden Hospital. She has volunteered countless hours to the Football/Netball Club, from selling raffle tickets, to organising social events, cooking meals and catering various social events.
Beryl Meade – She was recognised for her contribution over many decades to the community of Cobden. She was a member of the Parents Club at the Cobden Kinder, Cobden Primary School and Cobden Technical College, assisting with all aspects of fundraising and activities. Ms Langley has helped with student reading, canteen, sporting events and working bees. For many years, she has provided meals for families experiencing tough times.
Heather Walsh – She was recognised for her significant contribution over many years to several organisations in the town of Cobden. Mrs Walsh has been a Member of Progressing Cobden and the Cobden Chamber of Commerce for over 50 years–an impressive achievement. She has also been president, secretary and Treasurer for the Young Farmers, a member of the Cobden Spring Festival Committee for 20 years and one of the founding committee members of the Cobden Dairy Theme Park. She volunteers her time at the Cobden Information Centre and is also a member of a committee looking to develop a free camp in Cobden
John Brewer – He was recognised for his significant contribution to the Cobden SES for over 45 years. Over those years, Mr Brewer has held many positions, including Acting and Deputy Controller, and has been involved in hundreds of emergency events. He was on the Cobden Scouts and Guides committee for 10 years, including stints as president, and led many working bees at the scout hall.
Bill Nelson – He was recognised for his extraordinary volunteer service over five decades. A valued and respected member of the Cobden community, he has been involved with the Cobden CFA for over 50 years, taking on many roles including secretary and lieutenant. Mr Nelson was also captain for 30 years. He is a life member of the brigade and most notably fought the Ash Wednesday, Black Saturday, and St Patrick’s Day fires.
Trevor Roberts – He was recognised for being a long-standing volunteer and contributor to several organisations and community groups in Cobden. Mr Roberts has been a member of the Cobden CemeteryTrust committee for 40 years and is a Life Member. He is also a life member of the Cobden Bowls Club and has been a member of the Cobden CFA for 30 plus years.
Willoughby Perriss - Willoughby was recognised for his contribution to the Cobden community through his volunteering. When Willoughby is not studying or working at the local pool, he volunteers as a first responder, community advocate and change-maker.
Helen Langley – She was recognised for her extraordinary contribution to the Timboon Field Naturalist Club for over 50 years. Since the 1990’s, Ms Langley has been an office bearer for the Timboon branch, which saw her awarded Life Membership-a first for the club. Over the many years, she has organised many speakers for meetings.
Cobden Rotary Club member Gary Kimber said the club had nominate six Cobden residents - Marie Oborne, Beryl Meade, Heather Walsh, John Brewer and Trevor Roberts – for the volunteer awards.
“Between them they would have given tens of thousands of volunteer hours, over seven decades with a very large number of organisations in the Cobden community,” he said.
“They were spoken very highly of by Dan and he was amazed at the breath of their contributions.
“Cobden Rotary is honoured to play a small part in this day as they wish also to recognise, congratulate and promote these amazing people.
