The awards, now in its 12th year, have historically recognised the longest-standing members of the volunteering community. This year the awards have been expanded to reflect the contemporary volunteering environment and include volunteers who have contributed five or more years of voluntary service.
The annual awards acknowledge Western Australia's volunteers across seven categories:
- 5-9 years of volunteer service
- 10-19 years of volunteer service
- 20-29 years of volunteer service
- 30-39 years of volunteer service
- 40-49 years of volunteer service
- 50-59 years of volunteer service
- Lifetime of volunteer service (60 years or more of volunteer service)
This year, 1,248 individuals were recognised through the awards program, receiving a personalised certificate signed by Minister for Volunteering the Hon Don Punch in recognition of their service. Volunteers with 20 years of service or more also received a commemorative pin.
There were six extraordinary Western Australians awarded a Lifetime pin for their more than 60+ year contribution.
- Linda Leighton - Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company
- Peter Kenyon - Darling Ranges Seniors Hub
- Tom Hogg - Darling Ranges Seniors Hub
- Dorothy Cross - Scouts WA
- Nelly Maarssen - Girl Guides WA
- Glenorchy Cumming - Summers OAM - Girl Guides WA
Glennie Cumming-Summors OAM (pictured) has volunteered with Girl Guides WA for an extraordinary 73 years, and who continues to be a guiding light for the community as a valued member of the Capel Trefoil Guild, embodying the spirit of Guiding in all endeavours.
Linda joined the Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company in her mid-teens in 1963. Since then, she has been involved in over 100 productions as a performer, costume manager and sewer, front of house and a director.
For more information on the Awards program, visit the Volunteer Service Awards webpage.
To find your own volunteering opportunity, please visit the Volunteering in Western Australia webpage.
