Liz is a phenomenal local volunteer for many groups and organisations including an Ageing Well Ambassador for Federation Council, a committee member of Across the Arts, Lake Mulwala Action Group, School Workshop Program and Yarrawonga Health’s New Helping Hands.
She is also a gentle exercise volunteer leader and takes three classes a week of one hour each.
50 hours of exercise is happening at her classes each week.
Liz has many career highlights from computer programming in the banking industry to Nutrimetics Director and professional ice skater who toured the world.
Edwina is a social worker by background, who came to the area to work in mental health for 10 years, before taking on the role as Regional Landcare Facilitator with the Holbrook Landcare Network and Murray Landcare Collective.
After these roles Edwina then became a Director and the current CEO of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Murray based in Albury.
Edwina has deep roots in the region and grew up spending all summer holidays at her grandmother’s farm at Balldale.
Edwina and Liz inspired guests with their messages about staying connected, serving the community in which we live as it sets aspirations and demonstrates powerful leadership.
Both Edwina and Liz reminded volunteers to continue with their amazing work and set a challenge for each person to invite another person to join the volunteer movement as when you connect with people you make a world of difference and keep the community you live in alive.
Cr. Norm Wales APM and Cr. David Longley opened the event by saying that their time is valued and that Federation Council respects and appreciates the support that volunteers provide to Federation communities.
“Today is about celebrating and formally recognising our guests for their time as volunteers and the unwavering support they continue to give to their communities’ day in and day out,” Mr Wales and Mr Longley said.
“Volunteers enthusiastically give their time, energy and expertise to help out, support and make a difference in our community. They share their skills, abilities and experience and bring a fresh perspective and new ideas.
“Our communities would not be what they are today if they were not built on the backs of the hard work of our many volunteers.
“I hope you all leave here today with a great sense of fulfilment and pride because whether you volunteer at the football on a cold winter’s morning, reading groups at our local schools, down at the local men’s shed, or within many of our service groups you all make a great difference and I know I speak on behalf of many when I say we are so proud and thankful for you all.”
Volunteers came from across the Federation Council region and included volunteers from Lions and Rotary Clubs, P&C and P&F groups, sporting clubs, progress associations, historical societies and many individuals doing great things in a voluntary capacity.
Council’s own volunteers included representatives from the Friends of the Library, Ageing Well Ambassadors group, Section 355 Committees, Event Supporters, and the Visitor Information Centre Volunteers.
Guests were treated firstly to morning tea and then a light luncheon at the Howlong Golf Resort.
Each attendee received a thank you certificate and also a volunteer button badge in recognition of their outstanding contribution of time, dedication and expertise to the Federation Council community. Federation Council would also like to thank Howlong School Children who produced posters for display at the event, which depicted their version of a what a volunteer is.
