Volunteers recognised at special ceremony

Four volunteers at Peninsula Village have been recognised at a special Australia Day ceremony.

tribute to its volunteers for their to helping residents.

Ms Annette Kelly, Ms Karen Batson, Ms Deb Van Breugel and Mr Christopher Bryden, were recognised for their "invaluable contribution" and "exceptional efforts over the past year" with special awards.

Ms Kelly and Ms Baston, who spent up to five days a week or more in their volunteer role, were presented with engraved Australia Day silver medallions from the village.

Mr Bryden received an antique bronze lapel pin and Ms Van Breugel a commemoration certificate.

Ms Kelly said: "As an independent living resident of Peninsula Village myself, I really saw how beneficial and rewarding it would be to give back and help fellow residents who are not as mobile or active as me.

"My duties include everything from mail delivery to supported shopping, assisting with leisure and lifestyle activities and calling bingo and often I support the team up to six days a week.

"It's a great way to keep active, stay social and give back," she added.

Ms Baston said: "Just like Annette, I have been here volunteering with the Village for almost four years and I thoroughly enjoy the social aspect as much as the rewarding feeling of helping others.

"I have made some wonderful friendships and am so pleased to help residents maintain their independence."

Ms Van Breugel is volunteer bus driver for the village, a position he has held for almost 10 years.

"I volunteer four days a week and am responsible for driving residents to special excursions, shopping trips and outings.

"I truly enjoy the opportunity to allow residents to get out into the community.

"If you have the time, it is really rewarding to use it for giving back and supporting others," Ms Van Breugel said.

Peninsula Village chief Mr Shane Neaves made the presentation during an Australia Day achievement ceremony at the Umina Village on January 24.

"The Australia Day Achievement medals and pins are a way to acknowledge the contributions and performance of dedicated team members.

"Each of these volunteers have gone the extra mile to make our older aged residents feel more at home," Mr Neaves said.

With regular and reliable volunteers declining in numbers, Mr Neaves is hoping that the recognition of these community role models might encourage others to donate their time to support residents.

"As a not-for-profit organisation, we can never have too many helping hands.

"We'd love to hear from more people interested in helping their neighbours and experiencing the goodwill of making someone else's life more enjoyable," Mr Neaves said. SOURCE: Media release, 29 Jan 2019 Katey Small, Brilliant Logic