Warburton and Yarra Junction Community Bank has announced joint winners of the 2020 Ian De La Rue Youth Initiative Award. The award was presented to Ashlee Shotter and Jordynne Castleton this year and they each received $1000.
Ashlee has been recognised for her volunteer contribution to her local netball club in coaching Under 11s and coordinating fund raising activities; her active involvement in the CAN for Cambodia project fundraising for Cambodian landmine amputees; her volunteer involvement with the local aged care facility and her student leadership and support – serving on the SRC as President and being College Captain at her school.
Jordynne has been recognised for leadership roles at school, Rotary Camps and the MISFITS Theatre Group. Special mention is made of her project MISFIT online which she developed in response to Covid19 impacts – enabling people of all ages to access a safe supportive online space for engagement; and in weekly programs and activities.
20 years ago the doors opened to Warburton’s Community Bank branch of Bendigo Bank, and Ian De La Rue was a driving force on the Steering Committee to establish the Bank, and was the first Chairman serving from 1999-2005.
Today, the Community Bank continues to honour Ian’s commitment and contribution with the annual Ian De La Rue Youth Initiative Award.
Each year they seek to recognise, acknowledge and reward a young person who makes a positive contribution to their community. This $1000 Award is presented in the spirit of the late Ian De La Rue’s commitment to the community, and his passion for encouraging young people to strive for excellence and to be active in and contribute to their local community.
“With a record number of nominations received from the public this year, it was fantastic to see so many young people contributing and leading the way in the community, and the decision making was a tough task,” a Community Bank spokesperson said.
“With two nominations ‘tied’ it was decided to have joint winners in 2020. Both recipients have made outstanding positive contributions to the Community and it is appropriate to recognise, acknowledge and reward them both for their efforts.”
