Laine nominated as Volunteer of the Year

Woy Woy resident, Ms Laine Edwards, has been nominated for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Award for 2017.

"Laine is a natural leader and is well recognised in the local community as someone who freely gives back to improve the community and lives of others," said Centre for Volunteering communications director Ms Jilea Morrad.

Among her extensive list of achievements and volunteer experience, Ms Edwards has spent the last three years volunteering her time as a Max Potential coach, helping students to succeed academically and in their personal and professional lives.

"Laine is a real role model for all young people, but particularly young women," Mrs Morrad said.

Laine is also a volunteer member of North Gosford Private Hospital Community Advisory Committee and has been since 2015.

She volunteers her time for five months every year to help young people better themselves and their potential which involves supporting youth to complete a Community Service Project of their choice.

In 2011, Laine was awarded a State Surf Life Saving medal for a First Aid competition.

Ms Edwards' was first recognised for her skills in leadership during high school when she became the recipient of the Long Tan Leadership Award 2012 as well as being St Joseph's College Vice Captain in 2013.

The award recognised Ms Edwards as an individual who displayed determination, mateship, teamwork, tenacity, compassion and leadership.

"This is the year that I met Laine through the program and I was blown away by the character, humility, spirit and the potential of this amazing young women," Mrs Morrad said.

In 2012, Laine applied to walk the Kokoda Trail, and was successful in receiving the Gosford RSL Kokoda Youth Leadership Scholarship.

Since then she was a key note speaker Anzac Day 2013 and has represented Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge at every Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services.

"Laine is clearly a high achiever, who is not out for herself.

"She encourages those around her to give back and be the best they can be," Mrs Morrad said.

"She truly is an inspirational young woman, who gives so much to others.

"She does this quietly and her only motivation for doing so it to make a difference in the world," she said.

The winner of the NSW Volunteer of the Year Award 2017 was to be announced on Friday, December 8.

SOURCE:

Media release, 7 Dec 2017

Jillea Morrad, NSW Centre for Volunteering