By Jesse Graham
YARRA Ranges Council has paid tribute to its volunteers, awarding long-time workers in an event in Dixons Creek on Monday 5 December.
The council held their event on International Volunteer Day, holding an event at Dixons Creek’s Immerse Winery to celebrate the contributions of its volunteers.
About 120 volunteers attended the lunch, with 30 people receiving awards for milestone years of service.
Wandin’s Finy Prudon received a 20 Year Award, for her work with Meals on Wheels. After starting at the Lilydale centre, Ms Prudon swapped to the Yarra Valley team when she moved into Wandin.
“She is always ready to deliver with a smile on her face – rain, hail or shine,” her award citation read.
Frank and Elly Dubbeld, meanwhile, received 10 Year Awards, for their work with Lilydale Meals on Wheels.
The couple also spend their time volunteering with Benwarrin, a retreat for at-risk women and children in Yarra Junction, where Elly cooks meals and Frank does handyman work, and at the church-run soup kitchen, King’s Kitchen, on Thursday nights.
Ann Marchesani and Isabella Pignataro received Five Year Awards for their work with Yarra Junction Meals on Wheels and the Wandin Planned Activity Group, respectively.
Ross White, a Melbourne resident who works in the area, received a 15 Year Award for his efforts with the Planned Activity Group, which he has been a part of since he was a teenager.
“His enthusiasm and passion is apparent to all who encounter him – it is truly a privilege to have Ross as part of our team,” his award citation read.
Park ranger in the Dandenong Ranges John Lloyd received a 10 Year Award for his work with Upwey Meals on Wheels with his wife, Fay, while Kevin and Joyce Chipperfield received 10 Year Awards for their work with Healesville Meals on Wheels.
Melisa Nealon, meanwhile, received a 25 Year Award for her work with Meals on Wheels, where she once saved the life of a client who had a stroke.
Mooroolbark’s Eva Slattery and Kathy Lee received 30 Year Awards, both for their service to Lilydale Meals on Wheels.
Deputy mayor Len Cox said he was excited to celebrate the work of volunteers who give their time to their communities and to council.
“Volunteers don’t ask for thanks and give their time out of selfless service to the community,” Cr Cox said.
“Thank you to all the volunteers for the countless hours you put in, your contribution to our community is vital.”
For more information about volunteering in the Yarra Ranges, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au
