TWELVE LOWER MOUNTAINS VOLUNTEERS HONOURED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

 
Twelve outstanding citizens of the Lower Mountains were recognised for their contributions as valued volunteers during a polished ceremony at Emu Plains Sports Club last week.
 
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary called for nominations from the community some months ago and last Tuesday’s function was the culmination of many hours of assessment by the Rotary organising committee.
 
Blue Mountains Citizen of the Year Heather Gwilliam set the tone for the evening with a special address to congratulate the 12 guests of honour.
 
She said the room was ‘packed with citizens of the year’ such is the service ethic of Rotarians and volunteers everywhere.
 
“There is a wonderful community spirit throughout the Blue Mountains,” she continued.
 
“I an energised by volunteering and we have people here tonight who represent a myriad of community groups all of which offer support and value to our community. We are all the richer for knowing our neighbours and we have many examples of outstanding volunteer caring through the bushfires and disasters that impact our lives from time to time”, she said.
 
 
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary President Drew Fitzpatrick welcomed the impressive gathering of some 130 guests and introduced Club Membership Director John Keogh who served as Chairman.
 
Rotary Club President Nominee Rennie Schmid provided a splendid insight into Rotary’s proud ‘service above self’ motto and highlighted the connection between ongoing Rotary service and the service of all award winners.
 
Chairman John Keogh read a detailed citation as he announced each Awardee.  They were presented with a quality framed certificate by President Drew and Awards Committee Coordinator Michelle Fisher to highlight their service and achievements.
 
 
Those honoured during the evening included –
 
  • David and Carol Williams of Winmalee – many years of service to Blue Mountains Food Services (Meals on Wheels). The organisation is responsible for almost 1,000 meals per week.
  • Gordon Aiken of Glenbrook – followed the sporting passions of his children and has enjoyed 27 years with the Blue Mountains Football Club. Served as coach, manager and most executive positions within club.
  • Robyn Moir of Werrington – 30 years as a Guides NSW leader, outdoor activities adviser and Trefoil Guild member.
  • Silvia Arnold of Glenbrook - dedicated volunteer for the Endeavour Foundation sharing the load at the Penrith High Street store but also many hours cleaning, mending, collecting at home.
  • John Jennings of Glenbrook – many years of cricket administration. John was in hospital and unable to attend the tribute evening but Richard Tewson (President, Glenbrook/Blaxland Cricket Club) and neighbours Karen and Bill Coombs spoke glowingly of his outstanding character and service.
  • Bernie Fisher of Blaxland – long serving stalwart of the Blaxland Bushfire Brigade since he moved to the Mountains in the mid 1960s. Also ten years as volunteer first aid instructor with the Red Cross, and a continuing blood donor.
  • Margaret Murrin of Glenbrook – President of the Lapstone/Glenbrook Netball Club, vice president of the Blue Mountains Netball Association, State League representative coach, umpire, registrar and advocate for the sport. In 2015, she was named State League Coach of the Year.
  • Desmond Dempster of East Blaxland – five years as volunteer at the Riding for the Disabled Centre at Blaxland, Desmond’s work is vital as he cleans up after horses, pathways, stalls and toilets – along with constant repairs to fences, gates and security.
  • Margaret Semeniuk of Blaxland – another key administrator with Blue Mountains Football Club, Margaret has competed 23 years of service after joining as a supportive parent. She is uniform and equipment officer and senior teams’ female coordinator.
  • Trevor Hamilton of Springwood – dedicated to youth education programs via an outstanding teaching career. Duke of Edinburgh Awards; coach of swimming, cross country and athletic teams; Ski racing team; introduced G’day USA program to schools; sister schools relationships in NZ, USA and Europe; along with other community activities.
  • Pamela Thompson of Glenbrook – a life time of community support and volunteering.   Long association with Guiding, active with RAAF with family support organisations; dedicated CWA leader and various other women’s organisations, stalwart of St Andrews Church since returning to Glenbrook in 1969. Founding member of Glenbrook Historical Society