Frankston’s finest honoured and celebrated at Impact Volunteer Awards
Published on 19 October 2022
Mayor Nathan Conroy was joined by the State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke MP, Councillor Sue Baker, Council CEO Phil Cantillon, Director Communities Angela Hughes, Manager Community Strengthening Tim Bearup and nominees for the Awards at Frankston Arts Centre.
Mayor Conroy said: “Our volunteers are the absolute best of Frankston City – constantly and selflessly serving their community. The inspirational people recognised in the Impact Volunteer Awards 2022 are dedicated to supporting others in need over a long period of time.”
The State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke MP, said: “Congratulations to all our 2022 Frankston City Volunteer Awards Ceremony award winners. We live in a community of amazing people dedicated to our community and constantly working to assist and improve the lives of others.
“From Community Support Frankston to Peninsula Transport Assist, Meals on Wheels, Pines Men’s Shed or the Frankston North Community Centre and everyone in between – we can’t thank you enough for making where we live the amazing place it is!” Mr Edbrooke said.
Beverley Valentine from Meals on Wheels and Marcus Grinblat from Coast Guard Frankston were announced as joint winners of the Service to the Community Award.
The Mayor said Beverley has a heart for serving the community, adding: “Bev has been volunteering with Meals on Wheels for 30 years! In this time, she has proved to be a reliable and hard-working volunteer who always has a smile on her face and a can-do attitude, who drives two days per week.
“Bev is incredibly community-minded and has been volunteering not only with Meals on Wheels, but also the local hospital. All her spare time is spent helping people in need.”
The Mayor said Marcus has been a member of Coast Guard Frankston for 50 years, adding: “He began as a cadet and has held many roles, including: Flotilla Training Officer, Flotilla Commander, Data Entry Officer, Vice- Captain communications, Victoria Squadron and Training Assessor.
“Marcus has been an active proponent of making Frankston waters safe, in promoting safety and advocating for better facilities for boaters and the community.”
The Leadership Award was presented to Andrea McCall from Frankston University of the Third Age (U3A).
Mayor Conroy said: “As President of U3A Frankston over the last three years, Andrea has been responsible for a move to Karingal PLACE Neighbourhood Centre from John Paul College in 2019, and then has lead the group of over 500 members for the following two years through COVID.
“She never backed away from a problem and dealt with issues head on. Her sense of humour, dedication to hard work and personal motivation have been an inspiration to all at U3A Frankston.”
The Teamwork Award was presented to Community Support Frankston. The Mayor said Community Support Frankston volunteers have collaborated with many stakeholders and other services to provide critical support for our most vulnerable residents.
This has included emergency food supports, utility bill payments and advocacy, essential medical script needs and housing related needs.
The Initiative Award was presented to Jack Wheeler from Peninsula Transport Assist.
Mayor Conroy said: “Jack has been a volunteer driver for Peninsula Transport Assist since 2016. In that time, he has made 447 trips, which accounts for nearly 4 per cent of all of Peninsula Transport Assist drives.
“In addition to his work as a driver, Jack offered to run monthly Bunnings Sausage sizzles to assist with fundraising. He has run three BBQs, which raised an additional $3000 – providing vital financial support for Peninsula Transport. Well done Jack.”
Madison Horp and Brianna Neill, from Frankston North Community Centre, were joint winners of the Youth Award.
The Mayor said: "Madison joined Frankston North Community Centre as a student in the Hospitality course. She got so much out of that that she decided to stay on and help out the centre as a volunteer in the cafe.
“Madison is an excellent example of how a local community member can take a chance and sign up for a course, and end up progressing through to volunteering and becoming a part of the centre.
“Brianna completed the Introduction to Hospitality program at the centre. She was inspired by the skills she gained and wanted to put these to further use with the community.
“Brianna is building wonderful networks and connections with other participants and volunteers and has brought joy to the centre’s Wednesday cafe service.”
The Outstanding Volunteer Organisation ($1000) Award went to Peninsula Transport Assist.
Peninsula Transport Assist is an organisation which has had an extraordinary and positive influence across the Frankston City region.
Mayor Conroy said: “This is well-deserved recognition for an amazing organisation. Peninsula Transport Assist Incorporated (PTA) was established in 2013 to tackle the important issue chronic transport disadvantage, and related social isolation, both on the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston City. “
PTA has 74 volunteer drivers and since 2016 has provided 11,058 two way trips. Twenty-six per cent of trips started in the Frankston City Council area and 76 per cent of trips were for health or medical appointments.
Council CEO Phil Cantillon said: “From providing Meals on Wheels to helping out with a local sporting club, and even in keeping our local beaches free from rubbish – we rely on the work of our volunteers to keep the City running.
“Congratulations and thanks to all of the volunteer nominees, organisations and award winners. On behalf of an incredibly grateful Council and community, thank you to each and every volunteer who is making a positive impact in Frankston City.”
For more information about volunteering in Frankston City, please visit here.