communityconnect
Australia Day 2019
What our local heroes have been up to… In this issue of Community Connect we continue to profile our Citizen’s of the Year from 2011 to 2018. These community-minded Ballina Shire residents epitomise what it means to be named Citizen of the Year! They continue to make a significant contribution to through their involvement with various community groups, organisations and events. Read what they have been up to, and get behind their great initiatives and events.
Sheila Aveling, 2011 What does it mean to receive the Citizen of the Year Award? Very humbling and a great honour. Doing voluntary work is not about winning it is about helping and working together with others to fulfil whatever needs to be done for the community. What community involvement did you continue since receiving your award? The Tintenbar Hall has been an ongoing passion of mine for over 20 years. We have a small but hardworking committee who have resurrected the old hall and injected life into it. Fundraising is an ongoing necessity but we have several active user groups, and it also makes a special and affordable venue for weddings and functions. I am still on the board of Paradise FM – 16 years! What a great radio station and team, why would I want to leave!
I am supported by a magnificent team of highly trained members which has grown considerably from 10 members to 70-plus over my time with the service. One success story since 2013 that I am very proud to be part of is the development of a 10-week youth program for years 9 and 10 offered to all the Ballina Shire high schools, both state and independent. This program is delivered once a year for one school term and is not designed to recruit members, but to expose youth to volunteering, leadership, and emergency services. A number of students have become full members of the unit and are an inspiration to all. How can the community support your fundraising efforts? The community is a great supporter of the NSW SES Ballina Unit, with individuals, service clubs, and community groups donating. This has enabled the unit to purchase and update equipment that makes the members’ job a lot safer and easier. At present NSW SES and Ballina Shire Council are working towards a new headquarters for the Ballina Unit. The current premises is not purpose-built, and we have well and truly outgrown it. As the population continues to grow the services of the NSW SES Ballina Unit continues to grow as well.
How can the community support your fundraising efforts? Community support whether through donations or voluntary help is needed for all groups but unfortunately many people believe if they sign up for something it will take over their whole life, not so. I suggest find a group and be very specific about how much time you have to give. Volunteers are special people, give it a go we all need you!
Gerry Burnage, 2013 What does it mean to receive the Citizen of the Year Award? This is truly a humbling experience. There are so many local citizens within the Ballina Shire who are deserving of this award and to be chosen for this was an absolute surprise and honour. What community involvement did you continue since receiving your award?
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I am still continuing my role with the NSW State Emergency Service as the Local Controller. I have been with the SES for 34 years, and have seen many changes in that time.
communityconnect |
THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE COUNCIL
Mary O’Brien, 2015 What does it mean to receive the Citizen of the Year Award? It puts the spotlight on the causes you are passionate about and increases awareness of the many volunteer organisations within our community. It also honours all volunteers and I was both proud and humbled to receive the award on their behalf. What community involvement did you continue since receiving your award? I believe in human rights for everyone regardless of nationality, bank balance and employment. I volunteer where I feel I can make the most difference. On Mondays I help out with St Vinnies, Thursdays I’m with Ballina RSL Light House Day Club. The remainder of my time I concentrate on fundraising for
