Nominations open for annual Geraldton volunteer awards

Greater Geraldton residents are being urged to put forward the names of volunteers who they believe go above and beyond in making the community a better place.

Nominations for Centacare’s annual Volunteer of the Year Awards close on November 10.

In its 12 year, the event recognises volunteers who have made amazing changes to people’s lives.

Centacare community volunteer service co-ordinator Kristy Geyson said most volunteers were shy about putting their hand up for awards. “I know people don’t volunteer to be recognised or to get that recognition, but it is a nice thing to do because of the amount of hours and dedication so many people put in,” she said.

“They deserve to be recognised.

“The people in our community are incredible.”

Nominations are open to volunteers from the City of Greater Geraldton, including Mullewa and Dongara. However, nominations from nearby towns are also accepted. Ms Geyson said the event helped motivate others to take up volunteering.

“All the community groups come together and network and talk amongst themselves,” she said.

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Northampton District High School P&C president and Northampton Tennis Club coordinator Gillian Goad took out the Volunteer of the Year gong at last year’s awards, while Marine Rescue Geraldton won Volunteer Organisation of the Year.

Ms Geyson said the awards usually attracted between 40-50 nominations, but things had gotten off to a much slower start this year.

“I would encourage people who haven’t been nominated in the past to nominate,” she said.

“It’s a great way to get their organisation’s name out there.”

To nominate a volunteer, visit centacaregeraldton.org.au/2021/10/12/2021-volunteer-of-the-year-awards-now-open.