“The glue of community” was the expression used by
Michael Shreenan of the Factory Community Centre, to describe the significance
of the work done by volunteers in the community, at the Redfern and Waterloo
Volunteers Awards ceremony on May 8.
“It’s great to see what the wonderful people of the
community do, and be a part of it”, said Mr Shreenan. The Factory Community
Centre was the organisation responsible for the event (in partnership with
Housing NSW and Volunteering Australia.
The day was relaxed and casual as most of the
volunteers had not only worked together for several years but lived together
also, something which gave the occasion more the feeling of a neighbourhood
BBQ, and less of a formal awards ceremony. “Everyone here was nominated by
neighbours, the people they live with.”
Over 60 awards were presented to members of the
Redfern and Waterloo
community for their hard work and dedication to improving their local
neighbourhood in areas such as housing, health and education. Some volunteers
putting in up to full-time hours were acknowledged as a truly critical part of
Redfern-Waterloo.
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The SSH’s
many volunteers – writers, photographers and artists, proof-readers, editors
and distributors – were among those acknowledged with an award “in recognition
of outstanding volunteers and contribution to our community life”. To all our
volunteers, a hearty thank you!
Photo: Andrew Collis – Olga Gutnik, a
volunteer for the Russian community, receives her award. Olga, 85, is an entertainer,
poetry writer, piano and accordion player.
Source:
South Sydney Herald June 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au