THE 2014 Volunteer of the Year for South Coast and Southern Inland Region is John Young of Bodalla, who is commander of Marine Rescue Narooma.
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The awards were presented at a ceremony at the Cooma Ex- Services Club last Tuesday, as part of the Centre for Volunteering’s 2014 Volunteer of the Year Awards.
ClubsNSW CEO Anthony Ball said the industry was proud to sponsor the Awards Program in order to help recognise volunteers across the state.
“As an industry that engages almost 50,000 volunteers across the state, clubs know better than most just how vital the contribution of volunteers is,” he said.
John Young was recognised for being a volunteer starting over 40 years ago with various organisations.
As the unit commander of Marine Rescue in Narooma, John co-ordinates rescue operations for marine emergencies, liaises with other marine rescue agencies, trains volunteers and educates people on boating safety and training.
He only took six weeks off from his volunteering duties to undergo cancer treatment. His colleagues say John has shown them that volunteering can be a way of life that enriches both the volunteer and community.
John said that winning the award came as a surprise.
“I knew I was nominated, and it was only to promote volunteers; to try and make it more approachable for people to become volunteers,” he said.
“It’s something you don’t have to wait until you’re retired to do; you can do it from a very young age.
“I started volunteering at 18 years old. Some the best friends I’ve ever made, I met through volunteering.
“You meet some great people, do some great things, it can be way of life, that’s for sure.”
The RSPCA’s Eurobodalla Team won the Volunteer Team of the Year award.
“We are a shelter-less branch, which means that we rely on foster carers to look after animals in their own homes, until permanent homes can be found for them,” said Megan Garrett, RSPCA Eurobodalla president.
All regional winners are in the running for the overall NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards that will be announced at a Gala Ceremony on Friday, December 5.