There are more than two million volunteers in NSW.
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These people go above and beyond the definition of their role often with little recognition to make the community they live in a better place.
The Monaro Service Awards are designed to honour community champions for their outstanding contribution in areas such as the arts, environment, multiculturalism, education, health, sport, heritage and pastoral care.
Recently, I hosted Monaro Service Award ceremonies in Queanbeyan and Cooma to honour more than 50 individuals who quietly make a difference in our community.
Some of the recipients included Michael Gosier for his service to sport, largely through his dedication and enthusiasm for the Queanbeyan Tigers Aussie Rules Football Club. Chris Hunter, for her service to the community and education through her outstanding work as principal at Jerrabomberra Public School and dedication to the Jerrabomberra Rotary Club. Nadia Colbertado and Amelia Efkarpidis were honoured for their continued support building bridges between communities through sport, in particular the Australian-Korean Football Federation. Christine Wittman was recognised for outstanding service over many years to the Queanbeyan Age. Jamie Walker for service to the community through his work with the Queanbeyan Lions Club. David Dawes and John Kyatt were acknowledged for their work with Meals on Wheels over many years and Gary Grady for 50 years serving as a Justice of the Peace NSW.
I also honoured the work that a number of group organisation perform in our community. The Queanbeyan CWA Evening Branch and the CWA Queanbeyan Branch were honoured for outstanding work in the community over many years and in various ways including support for local projects, lobbying for change, helping the local community and creating a network of support and connectivity in Queanbeyan. The work of the Queanbeyan Rodeo Club to stage, promote and organise the Queanbeyan Rodeo over many years was also acknowledged.
The Monaro Service Award is a small way of thanking our local community champions; I congratulate everyone who donates their time and efforts to make their community a better place to live.