Volunteer Week honours for champions

The South West honoured more than 80 volunteers at the 30th National Volunteer Week celebration on Wednesday by presenting awards to outstanding participants at the Dolphin Discovery Centre.

Shamara Williams, coordinator of Volunteer South West was pleased to celebrate the achievements of volunteers from more than 35 organisations across the Bunbury Geographe region.

“These volunteers don’t just wear one hat, many often volunteer for more than one organisation in more than one community,” Ms Williams said. “Our volunteers make a world of difference to our not for profit organisations, and we know that many organisations would need to close their doors if not for their volunteers.”

Harvey resident Cody Birch took home the South West Youth Volunteer of the Year award while Bunbury’s Maureen Eaton was presented with the South West Volunteer of the Year award.

Feeling extremely proud of his achievement, 24-year-old Mr Birch said he had been volunteering for as long as he could remember.

“I feel honoured to have won this award,” Mr Birch said. “It’s not everyday you get awarded for helping out.”

When Cody’s not volunteering at the Harvey Community Radio he’s at the Dolphin Discovery Centre, volunteer dolphin watching.

“I just enjoy giving back to the community and helping out.”

“I’ve been volunteering for as long as I can remember and it continues to reward me,” he said.