Volunteers in Geelong are the backbone for the community. Working tirelessly in the community quietly behind the scenes to support those in need.
The Rotary Club of Kardinia, in association with Rotary Club of Geelong Central and Volunteering Geelong, proudly presented 15 finalists with certificates of service to the community. 5 nominees were awarded for their service in their community.
During September and October the public and charitable organisations were invited to nominate members of the community who have supported those in need. These annual awards recognise those individuals who give service above self. This year was no exception with wonderful stories of what is being achieved for those that need our support by amazing individuals and the charities and communities they represent.
The 5 awardees who go above and beyond receive a cheque for $250 for themselves, $750 for the charity that nominated them and a beautiful, engraved glass plaque from Wathaurong glass.
This years awardees are;
Marlene Jerinic Bellarine Living &Learning centre
Marlene Is the rock for at the BLLC and has volunteered for many years as a Foodbank Volunteer. She is reliable, and inspirational to the staff and volunteers with her energy and passion to help those in need.
She treats all in the community with respect, compassion, and fairness.
Her engagement with the Whittington community is incredible, throughout the pandemic she has been a vital member of BLLC checking on the vulnerable in the community.
Lauren Arkinsall Hope Bereavement
Lauren’s calm presence, wisdom and communication skills with her ability to model how she has come through her own grieving process creates a safe place and inspires the participants in the group to tell their stories. Due to her own lived experience with her daughter, she truly understands the grieving participants are experiencing, instilling hope, while providing strategies to manage the trauma and grief that follow a suicide bereavement.
Leonie Hunt Uniting Barwon
Leonie’s enthusiasm, commitment and positive attitude inspires the team at Norlane every day. She volunteers full time, taking on everything that comes her way. Her role is primarily administrative and leadership support. She offers ideas on ways to improve processes then helps to implement the changes, enabling the organisation to be more efficient.
Kath Bourke Golden Plains Shire
Kath has been President of the Playgroup, Secretary and President of the Kindergarten services. A foundation Board Member of the Bannockburn and District Grants Group, where she is currently Secretary. She is the Junior team coach of the Bannockburn Netball Club, and a player, as well as currently the secretary.
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John Mills Colac Area Health
John has been a volunteer at Colac Area Health for the last 9 years. He works where and when he can assist in all areas of support. He comes to Geelong Mums for their supplies when needed, and transports those in need to medical appointments in Geelong as required.
He is a valuable member of the family services team with his incredibly kind, caring and respectful manner.
Without the support of our sponsors these awards would not be possible. Special thanks to Geelong Connected Community who have supported us for many years with 3 sponsorships. Angelo Kakouros from Standby Security who sponsors not only one awardee but supplies all 5 plaques and the certificates for many years and our welcomed newcomer Geelong Insurance Brokers for the fifth sponsorship
For the full list of our finalists and more detail on the awardees please see below.
You can also see photos from the presentation event in the album adjacent to this article.
Our 15 finalists were;
Erin Krusic-Golub for support for the children at the Grovedale Toy Library
Jenny Boromeo form Encompass Community Services
John Mills from Colac Area Health
Brian Coleman from the Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway
Justine Martin from JM corporation
Kath Bourke from the Golden Plains Shire
Kerry Uebergang from Uniting Barwon
Lauren Arkinstall form Hope Bereavement
Leonie Hunt form Uniting Barwon
Lyn Wallace-Clancy from the Office of the Public Advocate
Marlene Jerinic from Bellarine Living and learning Centre
Nadine Gass nominated by both the Rokewood Pony Club and Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre.
Peter Holland from Uniting Barwon
Rod Taylor form the TAC L2P
Shannon Graham from The Empowerment Challenge
Nominee Nominator & Charity
Marlene Jerinic Georgie Allen- Bellarine Living &Learning centre
Marlene Is the rock for at the BLLC.
As an octogenarian she has volunteered for many years. She is reliable, and inspirational to the staff and volunteers with her energy and passion to help those in need. Her work as a Foodbank Volunteer goes without rival. Every Wednesday from 9-12 she is at the at Foodbank where she sets up the procedure, ensures the smooth running and packs up after. Handling all the food fresh, frozen, and pantry items for those in need.
She treats all in the community with respect, compassion, and fairness. Throughout the pandemic she has been the COVID Marshall, checking for masks before receiving their food
Her engagement with the Whittington community is incredible, throughout the pandemic she has been a vital member of BLLC checking on the vulnerable in the community. Her knowledge on food literacy and budgeting skills has been passed on in a friendly, inconspicuous manner benefiting the health of all. Her actions have been life changing supporting the community through these tough times.
Lauren Arkinsall Annie Norris - Hope Bereavement
Lauren’s calm presence, wisdom and communication skills with her ability to model how she has come through her own grieving process creates a safe place and inspires the participants in the group to tell their stories. Due to her own lived experience with her daughter, she truly understands the grieving participants are experiencing, instilling hope, while providing strategies to manage the trauma and grief that follow a suicide bereavement.
Leonie Hunt Elizabeth Hopkin- Uniting Barwon
Leonie’s enthusiasm, commitment and positive attitude inspires the team at Norlane every day. She volunteers full time, taking on everything that comes her way. She originally joined Uniting Barwon to gain experience to get a paid role in the welfare sector. She started on reception, then trained in the food room then as an interviewer. Her role now is primarily an administrative and leadership support. She offers ideas on ways to improve processes then helps to implement the changes, enabling the organisation to be more efficient. She starts each day before 8am and leaves after 4pm. She now has an interest in studying to put some grounding behind her newfound experience.
Kath Bourke Brett Cunningham – Golden Plains Shire
Kath moved into Bannockburn in 2000 and immediately volunteered to be immersed in the area through community work.
Kath has been President of the Playgroup, Secretary and President of the Kindergarten services. A foundation Board Member of the Bannockburn and District Grants Group, where she is currently Secretary. She is the Junior team coach of the Bannockburn Netball Club, and a player as well currently the secretary. Kath exudes positivity, leadership and compassion. These qualities have allowed her to be a positive influence on many young netballers, teammates, and fellow board members, overt the last 20 plus years
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John Mills Tracy Neave -Colac Area Health
John has been a volunteer at Colac Area Health for the last 9 years. He works where and when he can assist in all areas of support. He comes to Geelong Mums for their supplies when needed, and transports those in need to medical appointments in Geelong as required. Often at very short notice. He also tends to the vegie garden, selling them from the reception with proceeds going to the various charities run by CAH staff.
He is a valuable member of the family services team with his incredibly kind, caring and respectful manner.