Tasmanian Volunteering Awards 2023
Meet the winners!
We are proud and thrilled to announce the incredible winners for this year’s Tasmanian Volunteering Awards.
On Friday, 19 May 2023, we hosted an inspirational, uplifting and heart-warming celebration at Government House. During the ceremony, we celebrated the amazing people who volunteer and give so much to our communities across Tasmania.
The Tasmanian Volunteering Awards program is presented by Volunteering Tasmania as part of National Volunteer Week, and is made possible with thanks to our award partners.
Click below to read about
the winners for each category.
Julie Porter – SV Rhona H
Julie is the driving force behind the award-winning tourism experience onboard the oldest and smallest operating tall ship in Hobart, SV Rhona H. She manages all aspects of the ship’s operations, the sailing schedule, bookings, website, social media, and crew roster, while coordinating 34 volunteers from a variety of backgrounds. Julie’s values include achieving the best you can, helping others do their best, and making life better for someone every day. Julie brings her best to the ship and encourages others to do the same.
Supported by:
Michelle Howells – Community Transport Services Tasmania
Michelle’s exceptional leadership has shaped Community Transport Services Tasmania’s volunteering program to be beneficial for both volunteers and those using the service. She has developed a comprehensive recruitment process that includes a profiling tool to understand what’s important to each volunteer. Michelle believes everyone can add value through their skills and experience and works proactively to identify ways for volunteers to contribute.
Sponsored by:
Sweta Sharma – Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania
Sweta provides invaluable assistance to others through her volunteering with the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania. Her assistance includes housing, citizenship applications, and facilitating women’s groups. Sweta’s involvement in complex cases of domestic violence is admirable as she demonstrated an ability to link clients with appropriate services, and helped them find safe and suitable housing. She is always eager to learn and grow both personally and professionally and has proved to be an efficient and passionate team member.
Sponsored by:
Mavis Sayer – Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania
Mavis is a volunteer at the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania, where she has made a significant impact on the lives of migrants and refugees by providing vital support and guidance. Mavis’s attention to detail and organisational skills are second to none, and her work with the English Conversational Club helps clients build their language skills and confidence. Her commitment to volunteering and her dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive community is truly remarkable. Thanks to Mavis’s exceptional volunteer work at the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania, she is helping to build a welcoming and inclusive community.
Sponsored by:
Brylyn Craven – Ambulance Tasmania – Deloraine Ambulance Station
Brylyn is an experienced and devoted volunteer ambulance officer based in Deloraine. She can be seen driving the ambulance to attend emergency situations and call-outs to homes, helping people in their time of need. She works closely with the paramedic on duty and is a committed and efficient addition to the team. Brylyn opts for shifts that are difficult to fill such as night shifts and Christmas, where other volunteers have young children to care for. Her bright disposition is an asset that has a positive impact on those she cares for, as well as her team.
Sponsored by:
Paul Doherty – Just Cats Tasmania
Every week, Paul collects Zander the cat from Just Cats Tasmania in Longford and together the pair visit several residential aged care facilities to provide animal therapy for the residents. Paul’s volunteering efforts make a huge difference in the lives of the residents. Many of them have had to surrender their pets due to deteriorating health and are missing the love and touch of an animal companion. The residents also appreciate the human conversations and look forward to their visits from Paul and the outgoing and adventurous feline, Zander.
Sponsored by:
Graeme Foale – Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania – M.L Egeria
Graeme is a highly respected member of the Hobart maritime community, having dedicated much of his life to serving in various voluntary roles in the Navy Reserve, the Royal Hobart Regatta and Lindisfarne Sailing Club. Graeme currently leads a group of skilled volunteers that maintain and charter the historic vessel M.L. Egeria, a locally built wooden motor launch that has cruised the river since 1941. Graeme’s contributions have enabled many others to enjoy time on the water and his leadership and commitment is truly inspirational.
Sponsored by:
Photo credit: Revved Photography
Melanie Beets – Hobart Sporting Car Club
Melanie’s dedication to Tasmania’s motorsport industry is truly inspiring. With years of experience and multiple licenses and qualifications under her belt, she has showcased exceptional management, communication, and delegation skills as a ‘Clerk of Course’ at various state-level motorsport events. She is an active Hobart Sporting Car Club member, serving as club secretary and state council delegate. Melanie’s success in a historically male-dominated sport serves as an inspiration to many young females within the club.
Supported by:
Deloraine Community Garden
The Deloraine Community Garden volunteers are a group of dedicated individuals who come together every Wednesday to tend to their garden and share the fruits of their labour with their community. They work tirelessly to provide produce for Deloraine Community House and its food programs, including community dinners, a pantry, and budget freezer meals. With increasing pressures on families, the value of the Deloraine Community Garden has come to the forefront, inspiring others to grow their own produce and sustainably change their approach to food.
Sponsored by:
Photo credit: The Mercury
Lara Emmett – Surf Life Saving Tasmania
Lara is a dedicated volunteer with Surf Lifesaving Tasmania and an enthusiastic member of her home club of Ulverstone. Lara’s primary focus is the development and education of young lifesavers. She has been involved in the management of Surf Lifesaving Tasmania’s Youth Development Camp for multiple years, where she works to develop leadership and communication skills in the attendees. She is committed to making our beaches safer and has the unique capacity to inspire and motivate others, which has had a positive impact on many individuals.
Sponsored by:
Julie Porter – SV Rhona H
Winner of the Arts, Heritage, Tourism and Events Volunteer Award, Julie was selected as the 2023 Premier’s Volunteer of the Year. Julie is the driving force behind the award-winning tourism experience onboard the oldest and smallest operating tall ship in Hobart, SV Rhona H. She manages all aspects of the ship’s operations, the sailing schedule, bookings, website, social media, and crew roster, while coordinating 34 volunteers from a variety of backgrounds. Julie’s values include achieving the best you can, helping others do their best, and making life better for someone every day. Julie brings her best to the ship and encourages others to do the same.
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