Media release – Volunteering Tasmania, 2022
Finalists announced for the Tasmanian Volunteering Awards 2022
Volunteering Tasmania is delighted to announce the finalists for this year’s Tasmanian Volunteering Awards. Tasmanians from across the state, from Westbury to West Hobart, have been recognised as finalists for this year’s awards.
A total of 24 volunteers, three volunteer programs and three volunteer managers from the arts, sport, education, environment, emergency services and the community sector have made the prestigious final list.
The judging panels for the awards were made up of 36 representatives from awards sponsors and industry experts, and judging was completed on 21 April 2022.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, 20 May at Blundstone Arena, during National Volunteer Week. Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania is the patron for the event and will attend the ceremony.
National Volunteer Week celebrates the significant contribution of Australia’s almost six million volunteers, who dedicate more than 600 million hours each year to help others. The theme for National Volunteer Week 2022 is Better Together.
Volunteering brings people together – it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone. It’s a chance to celebrate the vital work that volunteers contribute to our communities.
Volunteering Tasmania’s CEO Dr Lisa Schimanski said:
“Volunteering is not measured through the number of hours people give, but by the connection and impact of what they’re doing.
“It doesn’t matter if you are giving one hour a week, a few hours each month, one day a year or more, collectively volunteers are contributing an estimated $4 billion dollars to Tasmania each year and most importantly providing enormous social and cultural benefits. For this, we thank them all.
“The Tasmanian Volunteering Awards celebrate those amazing people contributing to their communities in a multitude of ways, and every contribution is significant.”
The finalists for the 2022 Tasmanian Volunteering Awards are:
Community Care and Health Volunteer Award
Supported by Anglicare Tasmania
Finalist: Melissa Kane | Brighton
Single Steps Tasmania
Melissa founded Single Steps Tasmania to help people affected by domestic violence, following from her own lived experience as a domestic abuse survivor. Single Steps Tasmania offers victims and survivors practical support as well as empathy and compassion. Melissa has made it her life mission to give domestic abuse survivors the support which she couldn’t access during her own abusive experiences.
Finalist: Norm Hills | Trevallyn
Launceston Benevolent Society
Norm is a sprightly 92-year-old who brings his considerable knowledge and skills to life at the Launceston Benevolent Society. He has been a board member and a dedicated volunteer with the Society for more than 20 years. Norm’s volunteer service has been a major contribution to the Launceston community, and it is this level of dedication and commitment that ensures an organisation like the Launceston Benevolent Society can continue to help those in need within our community.
Finalist: Mark Davies | Westbury
Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network
Mark’s dedication to mental health and suicide prevention, as well as his advocacy work has had a tremendous influence on the well-being of the Tasmanian community. His aim is to improve the lives of those who have a mental health condition and to prevent suicide through policy and action. Mark selflessly brings his lived experience to his work and demonstrates his passion and commitment, which in turn, helps others to see what is possible.
Education, Science and Technology Volunteer Award
Supported by Spirit Super
Finalist: Steven Martin | Devonport
Toast for Kids Charity Inc.
Steven’s motto is that every child should be provided with the opportunity to reach their true potential and through the ability to read, gain a good education and give back to their community. He has spent hundreds of hours making this happen through initiating the Toast for Kids Charity, as well as launching the Devonport Reader’s Cup which raises funds to provide food relief to students. There is no doubt that Steven’s leadership has had long lasting positive impacts on the next generation, from newborn babies all the way through to Year 12 students in the north of the state.
Finalist: Shane Cowie | West Hobart
Libraries Tasmania
Shane volunteers as a tutor at the Hobart Library. He leads Conversation Classes and works in the 1-on-1 Adult Literacy Tuition program, where he brings a non-judgemental, respectful approach to working with vulnerable people. He is driven by the desire to help others and to do something useful in the community and he creates a welcoming, safe learning environment.
Finalist: Rosina Gallace | St Helens
St Helens Online Access Centre
Rosina is the president of the St Helens Online Access Centre Association, which assists members of the community and beyond in their digital literacy needs. She displays a commitment to making the Online Centre an integral part of the St Helens’ community through sourcing volunteers and securing funding. Rosina’s hard work has enabled the centre to be a fully functioning, successful and welcoming organisation.
Emergency Services Volunteer Award
Supported by Lifeline Tasmania
Finalist: Josh Elphinstone | Rocky Cape
Tasmania Fire Service – Montumana Brigade
Josh is a selfless person who drops everything when his pager goes off, despite the fact he runs an organic dairy farm and has lots on his plate. Having given two decades of service to the Tasmanian Fire Service, he has recently stepped up to be the volunteer Brigade Chief and permit officer of the Montumana Brigade and he is also a member of the Remote Area Taskforce. His ability to handle high stress situations and work well with people has earned him the respect and confidence of the Rocky Cape community.
Finalist: Craig Searle | Scottsdale
Ambulance Tasmania
Craig demonstrates outstanding leadership skills, not only when responding to jobs as a Volunteer Ambulance Officer, but also in his role as volunteer coordinator at the Scottsdale Ambulance Station. The way in which Craig remains calm in emergency situations and provides reassurance is testament to his character. Due to his extensive experience, he delivers expert care to patients in their time of need and his knowledge is invaluable to patients, volunteers and emergency personnel alike.
Finalist: Theo Vermey | Franklin
Franklin Volunteer Fire Brigade
Theo has devoted more than 50 years of dedicated service to the Franklin Volunteer Fire Brigade. He works hard to ensure all members are fully equipped with the latest safety and firefighting equipment, including COVID-19 personal protective equipment. It would be impossible to calculate the number of hours that Theo has given in keeping the Tasmanian community safe, and for this fact and his many incredible qualities, he is an inspiration to all that know him.
Sport, Recreation and Service Groups Volunteer Award
Supported by Speak Up! Stay ChatTY
Finalist: Janelle Smith | Gravelly Beach
Aus Cycling Tasmania
Janelle works hard within the Aus Cycling Tasmania team to deliver training programs and testing for cyclists. She coaches many athletes on the state team and organises the logistics for team members attending competitions. Janelle is inspirational because she puts in a thousand per cent, making sure the athletes are physically and mentally fit. She gives them the confidence and mental toughness to succeed and be champions not just in sport, but in life as well.
Finalist: Minka Woolley | Devonport
Hockey Tasmania
Minka has a long history of volunteering in hockey at every level of the sport – from grassroots all the way to its pinnacle, the Olympics. She is heavily involved in supporting the umpiring and officiating community in Tasmania, and is currently the Umpire Coordinator for North West Hockey and an active member of the Hockey Tasmania Officiating Committee. Minka is an example to all volunteers of what can be achieved by Tasmanians
and the hockey community looks to her as a role model for her dedication to volunteering and raising up those around her.
Finalist: Jan Stewart | Blackmans Bay
Kingborough Lions United Football Club (KLUFC)
Jan is a committed coach and mentor at Kingborough Lions United Football Club (KLUFC). She can be seen working with several girls teams during the week and lending a hand on match days on the weekends. Encouraging young girls to remain in competitive sport is a hard job and Jan brings commitment and compassion to this goal. She encourages each and every team member to play to the very best of their ability and to enjoy the game.
Arts, Heritage, Tourism and Events Volunteer Award
Supported by The Mercury
Finalist: Petr Divis | West Hobart
The Theatre Council of Tasmania
Petr joined the Board of the Theatre Council of Tasmania in 2014. In the ensuing eight years, he has thrown himself into the work of the board with enormous energy. Petr is quite simply a dynamo of dedication and industriousness. He is generous in his mentoring of other board members, is collaborative in his problem solving and is also a talented musical director.
Finalist: Liz Lord | Kingston Beach
Australian Wooden Boat Festival
Liz manages the volunteers for the biennial Australian Wooden Boat Festival and for the off-year Maritime Trail. Liz recruits, organises and communicates with each of the 400 plus volunteers involved in the events. Her positive attitude and excellent interpersonal skills ensure that the festival can recruit and maintain ongoing relationships with volunteers.
Finalist: Yuting Liu (Cynthia) | Moonah
Travel with a Cause (TWAC)
Cynthia is an active volunteer with not-for-profit Travel with a Cause’s volunteer program. This program provides volunteering opportunities for participants that promote a greater understanding and appreciation for Tasmania’s unique environment. Cynthia’s kind, outgoing personality and her knowledge and passion for sustainable tourism and making a difference in the world has had an enormous impact on the organisation and the wider community.
Environment, Animal Care and Conservation Volunteer Award
Supported by AON
Finalist: Bronwyn Ranson | Scottsdale
Tasmania Lost Pet Register
Bronwyn coordinates lost and found animal information with the Tasmanian Lost Pet Register, aiming to help lost pets be reunited with their families. Bronwyn’s caring and compassionate nature shines through when she is dealing with distressed pet owners, and she provides genuine support and reassurance during a stressful time.
Finalist: Gary Mondon | Bellingham
Fishcare Tasmania
Gary is the epitome of selflessness. He has dedicated many years to putting smiles on children’s faces while teaching them about responsible recreational fishing through the Fishcare Tasmania program. Gary leads by example and his dedication to making the world a better place through education and friendship is inspirational and recognised by all who know him or have been helped by him.
Finalist: Juleen Angove | Trevallyn
Bonorong Wildlife Rescue
Juleen can be described as an educator, animal carer and wildlife warrior for Bonorong Wildlife Rescue. She invests endless hours to her role rescuing and saving injured wildlife, and her dedication to this cause has saved countless animals’ lives, allowing them to be rehabilitated and returned to the wild. Juleen’s tireless dedication to Tasmania’s wildlife is commendable.
Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award
Supported by Aurora Energy
Finalist: Geoff Fader | Mount Nelson
Tasmanian Small Business Association
Geoff has dedicated decades to his quest to help others. Once he identified a significant shortage in skilled staff in the tourism sector, he established the Tasmanian Hospitality Group Apprenticeship Scheme. At its peak in the late 1970s, more than 150 cooking apprentices were trained and employed each year. Geoff went on to be chair of the Tasmanian Small Business Council, where he continued his work to help improve opportunities for the people of Tasmania.
Finalist: Barry Le Fevre | St Helens
East Coast Swans Football Club
Barry has been a tireless volunteer for decades, working harmoniously with others to provide opportunities to support his local community, and Tasmania as a whole. He has devoted thousands of volunteer hours to a range of organisations, including sporting organisations, community fundraising projects, and mental health initiatives. Barry’s ethos is to enrich the lives of those around him and bring about lasting initiatives which improve well-being on all levels.
Finalist: Trevor Snooks | Burnie
Cancer Council Tasmania
Trevor has been a volunteer driver for Cancer Council Tasmania’s transport2treatment program for 15 years, retiring last year at the age of 80. He has been the backbone of the program in the North West, maintaining vehicles and acting as the go-to person for any on-the-ground issues which arose. There are thousands and thousands of Tasmanians who have benefited from Trevor’s giving nature, through his many volunteering roles between 1964 and 2022.
Youth Volunteer Award
Supported by Youth Network of Tasmania
Finalist: Alia Haider | Howrah
Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania
Alia understands what young people go through during the transition of settling into a new country. Armed with this knowledge, she plays a key role at the Multicultural Youth Tasmania drop-in program. Based at the Migrant Resource Centre, Alia helps young people achieve their goals, whether it be with homework, studying English, getting their drivers licence, or preparing their CV.
Finalist: Kam Parker | North Hobart
Libraries Tasmania
Kam is a guru with IT. He selflessly dedicates his time to provide IT support as well as one-on-one tutoring on IT skills to members of the community at the Hobart Library. He is a highly intelligent and successful young person who comes into the library, eager to help others. In addition to the support he offers library staff, Kam has helped hundreds of community members save money and time and has helped them be safer online through the use of his highly developed IT, interpersonal and communication skills.
Finalist: Ahmed Omer | New Town
JCP Youth
Ahmed is an energetic 17-year-old who volunteers with JCP Youth, helping to mentor at-risk young people in Southern Tasmania. Ahmed is a young man from a refugee background with many vulnerabilities himself, yet he chooses to inspire and empower other young people to step up and follow the same path as himself. Ahmed is genuine and doesn’t volunteer for any other reason than to help others.
Best Practice in Volunteer Management Award
Supported by Hydro Tasmania
Finalist: Leanne Barton | Launceston
Specialist Palliative Care North
Leanne manages the large team of volunteers who help run the Specialist Palliative Care North service, coordinating them to assist with community care, transport, leading the Walking through Grief group and other forms of support for patients and their families. Thanks to Leanne’s passion and enthusiasm, volunteers are made to feel like vital members of the team and they know that their work is essential in helping others in our community.
Finalist: Shaun Brooks | Lenah Valley
State Emergency Service
Shaun has been a committed member of the Search and Rescue Team – Southern Region for more than 12 years, and unit manager for the past six years. Despite having a busy career and a young family, Shaun is fully committed to running the unit in the most efficient manner, ensuring the team are on optimum standby at any time, as well as taking on administration tasks. Shaun’s leadership skills are first class – with his strong, calm and humble demeaner, he has the ability to instil confidence and comfort to the team.
Finalist: Peter Martin | Sandy Bay
Royal Yacht Club Tasmania
Peter holds the demanding role of volunteer coordinator for the Race Liaison Centre during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Each year he directs and manages 50 volunteers, ensuring the up to 175 competing yachts and their crews receive a smooth welcome upon their arrival in Hobart. Peter’s unwavering confidence that anything is possible, empowers his team and he shows them the importance of working hard, while having fun at the same time.
Volunteer Program or Group of the Year Award
Supported by CatholicCare Tasmania
Finalist: The Story Island Project | Hobart
The Story Island Project nurtures the creativity and writing skills of young Tasmanians and celebrates their diverse voices. With the support of a passionate crew of volunteers, Story Island runs dynamic programs where youth are empowered to create their own stories. Since 2016, the Story Island team have worked with more than 1,300 young people at 25 schools and community sites across Southern Tasmania.
Finalist: Meals on Wheels Tasmania
Meals on Wheels Tasmania has been delivering up to 1,000 meals every weekday to older people across the state for more than 70 years. A team of volunteers, who number at 700 plus, provide nutritious meals and social support to older and vulnerable Tasmanians, allowing them to live independently at home. Due to COVID-19, the number of meals delivered over the last two years has increased significantly, yet the volunteers’ commitment has ensured that there has been no change in service provision.
Finalist: St Helens Hospital Auxiliary Recycling Shop | St Helens
The St Helens Hospital Auxiliary Recycling Shop came to life five years ago when the auxiliary identified the need to raise money for the new hospital which was to be built in town. In April 2019, the hospital opened, and since then the recycling shop has gone from strength to strength, with items donated for resale, raising vital funds for the hospital. The team of enthusiastic volunteers at the shop raised more than $100,000 to support the fit-out of the palliative care unit at the hospital.
