Volunteer Recognition

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION PROGRAM

People of all ages and backgrounds give their time, talents, gifts and hearts to improve the quality of community life and build a stronger and more cohesive community through volunteering.

Latrobe Council seeks to celebrate the contribution made by volunteers to our community through a self-nomination process.

Eligibility To Nominate

Not-for-profit organisations and groups that provide community-based services within the Latrobe Council area are invited to nominate their organisation for annual recognition.

Additionally, the organisation is invited to nominate up to five (5) individuals that have achieved specific hours or milestone years of cumulative volunteer service with the nominating organisation as at 1 May, specifically -

  • 500 hours of service;
  • 1,000 hours of service;
  • 2,000 hours of service; or
  • Special service  
    • - 10 years continuous service
    • - 20 years continuous service
    • - 30 years continuous service
    • - 40+ years continuous service

* Paid roles in an organisation, by definition, are excluded from nomination as a volunteer.

To ensure compliance with Council’s obligations under the Personal Information Protection Act 2004, nominees must agree to their nomination.

Nominations will be accepted up until 1 May annually via completion of the Volunteer Recognition Program form available online here.

Alternatively, forms may be obtained by telephoning 6426 4444; or by emailing council@latrobe.tas.gov.au

Nominations received after 1 May will be held over to the following year.

Presentation Event

Latrobe Council will celebrate the contribution of volunteers to our Council area at a Volunteer Recognition Reception in May, during National Volunteer Week.

Subsequent to the recognition event, Latrobe Council will publicly acknowledge all Volunteer Recognition Program recipients on its website and social media.

If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact Council’s Community Development Officer on 6426 4444 or email council@latrobe.tas.gov.au

2023 VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION PRESENTATION

Volunteer Recognition Certificates were presented to the following organisations in appreciation to all their members that contribute to building a stronger, healthier and more resilient Latrobe Council area.

Additionally, some members of those organisations were also recognised for their extensive volunteering within that group, as listed.  It is recognised that these individuals may volunteer with other organisations simultaneously with the process enabling those groups to nominate up to five people for special recognition per year.

LATROBE BAPTIST CHURCH accepted by Pastor Ralph TerryThe Latrobe Baptist Church provides for the spiritual well-being and supports the welfare of many in the township of Latrobe.  It has several outreach programs that meet specific needs including Latrobe Chat 'n Choose, Latrobe Men's Shed and, more recently, Latrobe Playgroup.
LATROBE BOWLS AND COMMUNITY CLUB INC accepted by Coral Cole and Greg DouceThe Latrobe Bowls and Community Club organise, encourage, promote, manage and participate in competitive lawn bowls and indoor bias bowls, promoting social activities amongst members as well as encouraging community use of their facilities. Volunteers prepare and conduct maintenance on their greens and surrounds, prepare meals, run the bar, cook BBQs, fundraise, clean clubrooms and conduct administrative duties.(Social interaction)
  • 40+ years service  
    Greg Douce, Latrobe Bowls and Community Club Inc
Greg has filled the roles of Match Manager, selector, organised club events, Board member, working bee volunteer, supervisory for Latrobe High School student who attend fun days with bowls as well as many other organisations who have team building days through lawn bowls.
LATROBE CHAT 'N CHOOSE accepted by Fay Horne and John LangmaidCommencing in 1992, the Latrobe Chat 'n Choose group provides a place where people meet for fellowship and a chat while learning or teaching a craft.  The craft activities include knitting, crochet, bead jewellery, making soft toys, wood turning. But again, it is the opportunity to provide for social interaction and fellowship that is so important.
  • 20 years service    
    Gladys Purdy, Latrobe Chat ‘n Choose
Mrs Purdy joined Chat 'n Choose in 1994 as a helper and became Treasurer and kitchen supervisory in 1996.  Gladys has worked tirelessly over many years and is remembered by all for her Joke of the Day as she collected their weekly $2 for morning tea.
  • 20 years service    
    Fay Horne, Latrobe Chat ‘n Choose
Mrs Horne joined Chat 'n Choose has a helper in 1994 and became the elective supervisor in 1996.  She has worked tirelessly with Mrs Smith for 29 years, assisting with all the bookwork and communication with 100's of attendees.
  • 30 years service    
    John Langmaid, Latrobe Chat ‘n Choose
Mr Langmaid joined Chat 'n Choose in 1993, helping with wood turning and, from 1996, leading.  John has continued heading up woodturning to this day as well as a multitude of other jobs in the Men's Shed upon its opening in January 2014.  John is a man of utmost trust and reliability.
  • 30 years service    
    Glenis Smith, Latrobe Chat ‘n Choose
Mrs Smith became a committee member in 1993 and the coordinator/director of the Chat 'n Choose Group in 1996.  She has worked tirelessly at engaging tutors for each elective as well as undertaken the publicity and contact with the many that have attended over the years.
LATROBE MEN'S SHED accepted by Pastor Terry and John LangmaidThe Latrobe Men's Shed opened in January 2014, as an extension of the Latrobe Baptist Church, to provide an outlet for men to bond and interact while sharing information and knowledge with each other.  As part of their activities, the Latrobe Men's Shed undertake a variety of projects for individuals and organisations throughout the community and have notched up nearly 600 of these since being established.
MERSEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AUXILIARY accepted by Maureen Clarke and Bronwyn GardnerThe Mersey Community Hospital Auxiliary at Latrobe are a group of volunteers who primarily operate the hospital kiosk seven days a week.  Not only do they provide food, refreshments and reading material to staff, patients and visitors, but members also provide a listening ear. Funds raised through the kiosk are used to purchase equipment that improves services at the hospital for the benefit of all patients, family members and staff.
  • 500 hours     
    Bronwyn Gardner, Mersey Community Hospital Auxiliary
Mrs Gardner has filled the role of Treasurer and also volunteers regularly in the hospital kiosk
PORT SORELL MEALS ON WHEELS accepted by Geoffrey Hicks and Christopher SmithPort Sorell Meals on Wheels have been delivering nutritious meals to people and their carers throughout the Port Sorell area, who have a genuine need of assistance. They have been doing this for over 40 years and their commitment and service has made it possible for residents to stay in their homes and local community, where most are happiest.  The meal delivery creates social interaction and regular visits ensure the client's wellbeing.
PORT SORELL MEMORIAL HALL COMMITTEE accepted by Robert and Aileen DonoghueThe Port Memorial Hall Committee is a volunteer group that coordinates the operation and maintenance of the Port Sorell Memorial Hall on behalf of the Latrobe Council.
PORT SORELL SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB accepted by Haydon and JoAnne CoatesThe Port Sorell Surf Life Saving Club patrols the beaches of Port Sorell, not only between the flags but also with mobile patrols using an IRB.  They provide emergency first aid and CPR, develop surf skills training; host surf carnivals as well as conduct community events such as Market by the Beach, Penguin Island Swim and the Winter Solstice.
  • 2,000 hours
    Michael Henwood, Port Sorell Surf Life Saving Club
Mr Henwood has been involved in patrol duties from 2004 to the present; filled roles on the committee; is a member on the emergency response team; and has assisted with the staging of Market by the Beach as well as club functions, carnivals and building maintenance.
SASSAFRAS / WESLEY VALE BRANCH CWA IN TASMANIA accepted by Audrey Campbell and Lesley YoungThe CWA was established in Tasmania 87 years ago to assist and promote the quality of life in rural and urban areas, social issues, care for the environment, cultural activities and home management.  There are CWA branches throughout Tasmania with the Sassafras/Wesley Vale branches being separate for over 70 years but joining together in 1996.
  • 10 years service    
    Aileen Donoghue, Sassafras / Wesley Vale Branch CWA in Tasmania
Mrs Donoghue has cooked for branch catering, knitted goods for welfare, has filled the role of President of the Branch and Group, helped at Branch functions, been State Vice President and is always on the go. Hawley holiday home.
  • 20 years service    
    Lyn Emmett, Sassafras / Wesley Vale Branch CWA in Tasmania
Mrs Emmett has cooked and prepared for catering and assisted with many Branch functions. Flower show.
  • 40+ years service  
    Keryn Brown, Sassafras / Wesley Vale Branch CWA in Tasmania
Mrs Brown has cooked and helped with catering, worked at Branch functions, delivered parcels to welfare and new mums baby parcels on the North West Coast, filled the roles of Branch President and Community Support Officer North West.
  • 40+ years service  
    Audrey Campbell, Sassafras / Wesley Vale Branch CWA in Tasmania
Mrs Campbell has been involved in the groups catering, hositng garden parties, filled the role of Secretary and group Vice President, organised community events including the Latrobe Flower Show, demonstrated crafts, and much more as needed.
  • 40+ years service 
    Phyllis Hingston, Sassafras / Wesley Vale Branch CWA in Tasmania
Mrs Hingston has cooked for catering, made articles for welfare, assisted with Branch events, filled the role of Vice President of the Branch and taught handcraft.
TASMANIAN SES - MERSEY UNIT accepted by Arron Brooke and Guy MurphyThe Tasmanian SES - Mersey Unit is an emergency service that assists our community in times of dire need, specifically by responding to floods and storm events and providing lighting at motor vehicle accidents.  Members also implement their traffic management skills at community events, including the Latrobe Lions Christmas Parade, Henley-on-Mersey Australia Day Festival and ANZAC Day.

2022 VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION RECIPIENTS

Volunteer Recognition Certificates were presented to the following organisations in appreciation to all their members that contribute to building a stronger, healthier and more resilient Latrobe Council area.

Additionally, some members of those organisations were also recognised for their extensive volunteering within that group, as listed.  It is recognised that these individuals may volunteer with other organisations simultaneously with the process enabling those groups to nominate up to five people for special recognition per year.

LATROBE FEDERAL BAND accepted by David Richards and Robert ClarkThe Latrobe Federal Band is the oldest continuous serving brass band in Australia, established in 1875.  Its membership ranges from those with no musical experience with brass instruments through to those that have amassed many years of playing and mentor emerging talent.  The Latrobe Federal Band provides musical entertainment at a number of functions every year with notable performances at Henley-on-Mersey and the pre-ANZAC Day Concert.
  • 40+ years service  
    Robert Clarke, Latrobe Federal Band
In his 70+ career with the Latrobe Federal Band, Robert has played a number of roles. While he is primarily a player in the band, starting out on cornet before moving to tuba, Robert has also spent many years tutoring/mentoring beginner players.  This has, undoubtedly, supported the longevity of the band and helped it maintain its status as Australia's oldest continually playing band, and as a real asset to the Latrobe community.  At times, Robert has also stepped up to fill in as the band master.
RUBICON FIRE BRIGADE accepted by Michael DicksonThe Rubicon Fire Brigade comprises of volunteer fire fighters of the Tasmania Fire Service that primarily protect the Bakers Beach area with members responding to emergency incidents such as bushfires, structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, and other incidents where risks are posed to life and/or property.
  • 30 years service    
    Paul Osborne, Rubicon Fire Brigade
Fire fighting, accident site controller, community awareness fur reduction burns, first aid
  • 30 years service    
    Michael Dickson, Rubicon Fire Brigade
Fire Brigade Chief, Second Officer, BBQ chef, recruitment.  Dicko's resounding knowledge of the area makes him a respected and valued member.
  • 30 years service    
    Richard Higgs, Rubicon Fire Brigade
Fire Fighter, truck driver, station maintenance coordinator, community grants coordinator, current Treasurer
  • 30 years service    
    Johan Hendriksen, Rubicon Fire Brigade
Fire fighter, truck driver, Treasurer, Bar tender, Support, Social Committee
  • 30 years service    
    Ineke Hendriksen, Rubicon Fire Brigade
Fire fighter, caterer, events coordinator, fundraising committee
MERSEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AUXILIARY accepted by Maureen Clarke and Ros ScottThe Mersey Community Hospital Auxiliary at Latrobe are a group of volunteers who primarily operate the hospital kiosk seven days a week.  Not only do they provide food, refreshments and reading material to staff, patients and visitors, members also provide a listening ear.   Funds raised through the kiosk are used to purchase equipment that improves services at the hospital for the benefit of all patients of our region.
RSPCA accepted by Katrina HatfieldThe RSPCA's primary goal is to protect animals through the education of the community and to advocate for better animal welfare laws.  This involves deterring animal cruelty, transporting animals to and from vets, cleaning animal enclosures, maintaining property, fostering as well as working in animal retail centres.
  • 500 hours     
    Katrina Hatfield, RSPCA Tasmania
Transporting animals to vet visits, working in retail store, working with animals, cleaning animal enclosures, organising work experience through Don College ea.
  • 500 hours     
    Barry Williams, RSPCA Tasmania
Property maintenance, animal transport, cleaning animal enclosures, mowing.  Basically Barry is the RSPCA"s longest current serving volunteer and "can do" man..
PORT SORELL GOLF CLUB accepted by Helen Murfet and Judy ThorneThe Port Sorell Golf Club operate a nine-hole course that provides a challenge for high and low handicap golfers.  Volunteers are critical to this organisation in its day to day operation including coordination of social and club competitions, fundraising, manicuring the course and the maintenance of associated facilities.
  • 10 years service    
    David Baker, Port Sorell Golf Club
Board member, Vice Captain, Captain, organiser of working bees, tireless worker around the club including course maintenance, larger projects, displays and building projects.
  • 20 years service    
    Helen Murfet, Port Sorell Golf Club
Ladies President, Vice President and Captain.  Currently Secretary.  Board Secretary, Ladies Representative on the Board.  Current Membership Officer
LATROBE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE accepted by Nancy Maney and Vonda TurnerThe Latrobe Visitor Information Centre provides visitors and locals with information on the area, its attractions, facilities and community.  They do this through excellent customer service and being a friendly face when dealing with customers.
  • 30 years service    
    Coral Howe, Latrobe Visitor Information Centre
Customer service and provision of information to visitors to the Latrobe Visitor Information Centre.
  • 20 years service    
    Nancy Maney, Latrobe Visitor Information Centre
Customer service and provision of information to visitors to the Latrobe Visitor Information Centre.
  • 20 years service    
    Vonda Turner, Latrobe Visitor Information Centre
Customer service and provision of information to visitors to the Latrobe Visitor Information Centre.
  • 20 years service    
    Josephine Badcock, Latrobe Visitor Information Centre
Customer service and provision of information to visitors to the Latrobe Visitor Information Centre.
  • 10 years service    
    Rose Addison, Latrobe Visitor Information Centre
Customer service and provision of information to visitors to the Latrobe Visitor Information Centre.
LATROBE BOWLS AND COMMUNITY CLUB INC accepted by Kaye Lamprey and Graeme MooreThe Latrobe Bowls and Community Club organise, encourage, promote, manage and participate in competitive lawn bowls and indoor bias bowls, promoting social activities amongst members as well as encouraging community use of their facilities. Volunteers prepare and conduct maintenance on their greens and surrounds, prepare meals, run the bar cook bbqs, fundraise, clean clubrooms and conduct administrative duties.
  • 30 years service    
    Kaye Lamprey, Latrobe Bowls and Community Club Inc
Kaye has been a Board Member and acted as Treasurer in 1992-93 and as President for two three year terms (for the Ladies Committee).  Kaye has been involved in catering, purchasing for functions throughout her time at the Club.  She has also been a lady selector for a number of years.  Kaye was awarded Life Membership in 2014.
  • 10 years service    
    Graeme Moore, Latrobe Bowls and Community Club Inc
Graeme was Treasurer from 2006-2011 and again in 2015.  He has been the Club's greenkeeper for many years which is a very time consuming position.  He was awarded Life Membership in 2018.
PORT SORELL COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM accepted by Sue George and Robert AllenThe Port Sorell Community Emergency Response Team was established in 2006 following a public meeting called by Latrobe Council.  Ambulance Tasmania advised that they had identified that a cardiac event was being experienced in the Port Sorell area at least weekly and that the closest ambulances were based in Latrobe and Devonport - some 15-20 minutes away from Port Sorell, a critical delay to preserving life.  Members provide 24/7/365 first response when activated by Ambulance Tasmania with over 350 call outs per year and that number growing by about 10% yearly.  Additionally, members participate in fortnightly training to ensure that their legal scope of practice and clinical skills continue to be enhanced.
  • 500 hours     
    Lynne Jones, Port Sorell Community Emergency Response Team 
Lynne's volunteering requires her to dedicate a 12 hour shift, be in uniform and stay within the Port Sorell area, ready to answer her page when activated and respond within a 3-5 minute period from receiving a call to seeing out patient.  Lynne provides pre-hospital emergency care.
  • 10 years service     Darren Hamilton, Port Sorell Community Emergency Response Team
Darren is in full time employment and provides cover over the 12 hour night shift and has done so since joining the unit.  He is ready to answer his page, at any time of the night, when activated and respond within a 3-8 minute period from receiving the call to seeing our patient. In addition to his normal and ongoing training, Darren also brings skills learned in his long time volunteering as a sports training in the Latrobe/Devonport region.
  • 10 years service     Sue George, Port Sorell Community Emergency Response Team
Sue works full time in a related field and has concentrated on covering the group's 12 hour night shift with some 12 hour day shifts at weekends as appropriate.  As well as her "on road" duties, Sue is the unit coordinator (team leader), liaison with Ambulance Tasmania and assists with unit training when the opportunity arises.
  • 10 years service     Robert Allen, Port Sorell Community Emergency Response Team
Bob has made and continues to make himself available for 12 hours day shirts, for 3 days a week.  At this time, he will be in uniform, stay within the Port Sorell area and provide pre-hospital emergency care when paged.  Bob has held the position of unit trainer and is currently the unit's Secretary.
  • 10 years service     Jacobus Van Tatenhove, Port Sorell Community Emergency Response Team
Jack is a foundation member of the unit which was formed in 2006.  Jack has held the positions of unit coordinator, trainer, treasurer and is currently one of the unit's trainer.  The experiences gained through his 9 year Army Reserve service and as a trainer with a first aid organisation has assisted him when talking to patients in identifying their immediate needs.  Jack has made and continues to make himself available for 12 hours day shifts, providing pre-hospital emergency care when paged.