‘Something for Everyone’, the theme of this year’s National Volunteers Week (20-26 May) was certainly showcased last Friday evening (24th May) at the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. The FNQ 2024 Volunteer of the Year Awards evening was organised by Melissa Schulz and her dedicated team from FNQ Volunteers Inc., the region’s Volunteer Resource Hub.
Over 140 volunteers and guests enjoyed drinks and food, with entertainment by Jeremiah Johnson. 39 individual volunteers and 2 organisations were nominated for over 7 different categories and were assessed over 4 different selection criteria. All finalists received a certificate, and the winners were announced and presented with their awards by Cr Cathy Zeiger, Yolonde Entsch, Michael Healy MP and Warren Entsch MP. The evening was emceed by 2024 Cairns Woman of the Year, Alana McKenna.
The wide range of finalists and the winners in each of the categories demonstrates the variety of volunteering opportunities in FNQ.
Award 1- Youth Changemaker was awarded to Precious Moyo, a young lady who volunteers her time at the Cairns Region Toy Library Cairns Region Toy Library (cairnstoylibrary.org.au). Precious is interested in a career in paediatric medicine and started volunteering to enhance her communication skills.
Award 2 – Community Champion went to Jim Ritchie, who volunteers at Better Together Community Support Group in Atherton Better Together – Atherton Tablelands. Jim provides emergency relief both by listening and providing help such as food vouchers. He shows compassion and dedication as well as leadership to other volunteers.
Award 3 – Wisdom Warriors was awarded to Elizabeth Groves from COUCH, a local organisation helping people with cancer. Home | COUCH. Elizabeth has been instrumental in maintaining the cleanliness of the facility as well as fundraising. Providing a welcoming environment, listening to both clients and volunteers with a commitment to continuous improvement in the lives of cancer patients, Elizabeth is valued member of the COUCH family.
Award 4 – Innovator of Impact went to Dennis Winn, also from COUCH. Dennis plays a vital role in the smooth functioning of the Centre, as well as the maintenance of facilities. He always tries to ‘think outside the box’ and always has sustainability and efficiency in mind.
Award 5 – Legacy Builder was awarded to Deborah Pergolotti, who has been involved in Frog Safe for 26 years and was instrumental in the establishment of the Frog Hospital in 1998 Home (frogsafe.org.au). Frog Safe is concerned with declining frog numbers and disease as an indicator of environmental health, and lobbies for greater protection through government submissions and fundraising.
Award 6 – Excellence in Volunteer Management goes to Alison Worrell, manager of the Cairns and District Senior Citizens Centre Cairns & District Senior Citizens Association – Over 50s community for fun, fitness, freedom and independence. (cairnsseniors.com.au). Alison has been responsible for many successful initiatives and ensures a positive, inclusive workplace for her many volunteers. Members at the Centre report a rise in wellbeing levels and a reduction in loneliness by participating in the many activities organised each week.
Award 7 – Community Project was awarded to OZ Harvest, the local Food Waste Warriors OzHarvest Australia | Australia’s leading food rescue organisation. Volunteers go to Rusty’s markets each Sunday and collect leftovers from the stallholders. This surplus of about 500 kg per week is delivered each Monday to various charities, providing food to the needy as well as saving food waste from landfill and reducing greenhouse emissions.
FNQ Volunteers Inc., host of the 2024 Volunteer Awards, has been matching volunteers with organisations since 1998, as well as promoting the benefits of volunteering. It covers the area from Cassowary Coast to Mossman and up to the Atherton Tableland. At present there are over 170 roles waiting to be filled – you can be sure there is something there for you!
To get involved please visit www.fnqvolunteers.org.au for more information or give our team a call on 07 40417400.
