As part of National Volunteer Week, Vision Australia has celebrated the contributions that its volunteers make to the Bendigo community and across northern Victoria with an award ceremony.
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Among those who were honoured at the ceremony included Bill Neary and Glenys Pettit who were both awarded for 15 years of service.
Mr Neary’s role volunteering for Vision Australia involved working as a driver transporting clients and he now prepares morning tea for the organisation’s daily recreation program.
After years of volunteer service one of the highlights for Mr Neary was having great discussions with all of the people that he transported.
“Vision Australia could not operate without the hard work that all of the volunteers make,” Mr Neary said.
Glenys Pettit was recognised for 15 years of volunteer work at Vision Australia’s Op Shop in Bendigo.
“I have been able to meet so many people and see children come into the shop... to see them come in with their parents to get a toy, it’s great to see the smiles on their faces,” Miss Pettit said.
There were other volunteers recognised at the ceremony for their service including volunteers from Vision Australia Radio in Bendigo and also young volunteer Seth Gates.
Mr Gates decided to follow in the footsteps of his mother Deborah Gates, who has been involved in volunteer work for years.
“When I was little I would always help out and I have really grown to enjoy it,” Mr Gates said.
“Volunteering so far has been great, I have met lots of people and tried out different things.”
So far as a volunteer Mr Gates has assisted at the previous two annual Vision Australia Easter Egg hunts in Bendigo.
Vision Australia Bendigo coordinator of volunteers Deborah Gates said it was important to recognise the volunteers for their dedication and hard work.
“Our volunteers contribute so much to our organisation and for us to take just one day out of the year is the very least we can do,” Mrs Gates said.
“We have very dedicated and committed volunteers and an incredibly reliable volunteer work force at Vision Australia.”