Residents recognised for volunteering

Three residents of the Peninsula area were recognised at the 2012 Central Coast Volunteer of the Year award ceremony held in Tumbi Umbi on Thursday, October 4.

Woy Woy's Doug Rose received the big award and was named 2012 Central Coast Volunteer of the Year for his contribution to the community while Ettalong's Vince Wiegold was named 2012 Central Coast Senior Volunteer of the Year for his work with Hammondcare in Woy Woy.

Phegans Bay resident Ms Thea Brayshaw was also recognised for her community work with Community Care Services Central Coast in West Gosford for 15 hours a week over the past six years.

Woy Woy resident Mr Doug Rose was named the 2012 Central Coast Volunteer of the Year at the award ceremony held in Tumbi Umbi on Thursday, October 4.

Mr Rose was recognised for his extensive volunteering with the the Peninsula Community Centre for more than four and a half years and for Bowls Central Coast for seven years.

He was nominated twice by two different people.

Peninsula Community Centre provides a diverse range of services to the Central Coast community, including childcare, community referral, information services and an internet kiosk and sees up to 6000 visitors per month.

Mr Rose has provided administrative support to the Centre since 2008 through building and maintaining the Community Information Reference Folders, which enable staff to answer almost any questions that come through the door.

In addition, in 2010 when the Centre gained a Broadband for Seniors Internet Kiosk, Doug was instrumental in the set-up, administration and operation of it as well as being a Volunteer Tutor teaching the over 50s the ins and outs of the internet as a way to connect with their families and communities.

Mr Rose's warmth and ability to relate to people has also seen him become a popular and well liked volunteer in the childcare centre.

"The children love Doug and his 'grandfatherly manner'," said nominator Ms Michelle Remy who works as centre coordinator.

Mr Rose has also volunteered over many years at Bowls Central Coast and Bowls NSW as well as the Everglades Country Club.

"Patience, kindness, enthusiasm, warmth, approachability and a dry wit as well as his excellent computer skills and passion for volunteer service have endeared Doug to all in his community,' said Ms Remy.

Mr Rose is now in the running to win the 2012 NSW Volunteer of the Year award, with the winner to be announced by Minister of Citizenship and Communities Mr Victor Dominello at the State Award ceremony on Monday, December 5, in Sydney.

Event co-host, Volunteering Central Coast's Michelle Vanstone, said the event was very rewarding.

"Volunteers are the lifeblood of local communities and are not recognised as often as they should be for their valuable, selfless commitment," she said.

Mr Rose will receive a $300 donation for the not for profit organisation of his choice to help it continue its work.

Ettalong resident Mr Vince Wiegold has been awarded the 2012 Central Coast Senior Volunteer of the Year award for his volunteer work with aged care facility, Hammondcare, in Woy Woy for over six years.

Mr Wiegold became involved with the facility from the day of its opening, when he asked if there was anything that he could do to help.

Mr Wiegold has very much taken on the role of "driver" in his local community.

Not only does he drive the residents of Hammond Care to outings twice a week, he also drives isolated older people out for meals, and assists with driving at his local church and for Meals on Wheels.

Media Release, 5 Oct 2012

Kristin Sinclair, The Centre for Volunteering