Mary Mac's is top voluntary group

Mary Mac's Place in Woy Woy has been announced the winner of the 2011 Gosford City Australia Day Volunteer Group community award at the Australia Day presentation held at Laycock Street Theatre on Sunday, January 23.

Mary Mac's Place was recognised as the winner of the award for its volunteers' commitment and dedication to serving over 18,000 hot midday meals a year and providing clients with compassion and understanding on a daily basis.

Mary Macs Place project coordinator Ms Christine Burge said she was thrilled when it was announced that Mary Mac's volunteers had won the community award for Volunteer Group.

"The volunteers truly deserve this award as they work tirelessly in our kitchen to serve those who are less fortunate," said Ms Burge.

Order of Australia medal winner Ms Pat Slattery from Ettalong and Ms Burge said they were pleased to accept the award on behalf of Mary Mac's Place.

"Gosford Council held a truly entertaining presentation at Laycock St Theatre following a very Australian Theme," she said.

Mary Macs Place is a community based, voluntary organisation, created by three women from the St John the Baptist Parish in Woy Woy, which helped homeless and disadvantaged people with tea, coffee and biscuits.

The organisation now boasts 70 volunteers and provides numerous cases of welfare support and referral to both government and private agencies.

Chairman of the Australia Day committee Cr Jim Macfadyen said that while all nominees were worthy, the winners stood out in their respective fields and were selected based on their significant contributions to our local community.

"The winners of the 2011 Australia Day Community Awards have helped to enrich our community in a number of ways and today has been an opportunity for us to thank them for their hard work and efforts," he said.

Media release, 24 Jan 2011 Gosford Council Media Media release, 28 Jan 2011 Christine Burge, Mary Mac's Place