Volunteers celebrated at Annual Volunteering Frankston Awards
Published on 09 December 2024
Frankston City’s humble and dedicated heroes have been celebrated at the 2024 Volunteering Frankston Awards.
Mayor Kris Bolam, Deputy Mayor Cr Steffie Conroy, Cr Emily Green, and Council CEO Phil Cantillon joined special guests to honour our volunteers.
Mayor Bolam said our volunteers are the heart and soul of Frankston City, adding: “We are privileged to have over 16,800 volunteers in Frankston City, who contribute more than 46,000 hours of their time each and every year to our community.
“It’s a remarkable contribution that is equal to $1.3 million worth of donated time annually … a contribution that I and Council applaud, recognise and deeply appreciate. The inspirational people we’re recognising are dedicated to supporting others in need over a long period of time.”
The Service to Community Award was won by Mike Starkie from Meals on Wheels. Mike is a passionate volunteer who has committed almost 10 years to support Frankston City Council’s Meals on Wheels Service. Mike enjoys the social aspect of the kitchen and supports the team with tasks including cleaning the many heavy pots and pans twice a week and cleaning the eskies and kitchen areas. Mike is a can-do team member who shares a friendly smile with everyone.
A Commendation Award for Service was won by Lauren Forster from Project Fresh Start. Lauren has been with Project Fresh Start since the beginning in 2021, first as a secretary and currently as a board member and runs Project Fresh Start’s lunch service at Orwil St Community Centre. Lauren has organised the operations to run so smoothly and is extremely good at managing volunteers. Lauren is very loved by everyone for her kindness and friendly outgoing nature and will sit with our guests and chat to everyone making our lunch services such a great atmosphere and a place that volunteers want to come to.
The Leadership Award was won by Jaqui O’Leary from 3198 Seaford Beach Patrol. Since becoming group manager in August 2018, Jaqui has run dozens of beach cleans, coordinating over 1800 volunteers to remove 1,682 kilograms of waste from our beaches. Jaqui has transformed Seaford clean-ups by implementing a continually developing waste sorting system, and much more.
The Teamwork Award was won by 3199 Frankston Beach Patrol. Each month, dedicated volunteers from 3199 Frankston Beach Patrol head to the beach to pick up litter that has been blown, dropped or washed up onto our foreshore. 3199 Frankston Beach Patrol continues to raise awareness of the impact that litter, packaging and plastic continues to have on our coastline and local marine environment through monthly clean-ups and regular environmental education sessions at the beach.
The Youth Award was won by Alyssa Nicholas from Women and Mentoring (WAM). Alyssa is a mentor in the Women and Mentoring Young Women's Program. She provides individual support to a participant in the program who has been deemed at risk with the criminal justice system and is exceptional as a mentor. Alyssa has also been proactive in helping WAM recruit more mentors. Alyssa also volunteers as a mentor at Monash University, and she has also recently joined the Frankston Youth Council and is passionate about having youth voices amplified within the community.
The Initiative Award was won by Jolene Gailitis from Project Fresh Start. As the founder of Project Fresh Start in 2021, Jolene’s impact in creating and driving this important and innovative Frankston food service has been paramount. Jolene has provided people with a different perspective of plant-based foods, and how they can be incorporated into the existing food help services for disadvantaged community members. Jolene has gone on
to work with some like-minded volunteers to provide a community meals program, and the community fridge initiative in the Frankston City Centre, providing freshly cooked vegan meals, free of charge, to a diverse range of vulnerable people.
A Commendation Award for Initiative was won by Paula Rivera (Environmental Volunteer) who volunteers for Friends of Baden Powell Bushland Reserve, AWARE Wildlife Rescue, and Gardens for Wildlife. Paula is a remarkable environmental volunteer who dedicates her time as an Activity Leader for Friends of Baden Powell Bushland Reserve. Paula is also a Gardens for Wildlife volunteer at Frankston City and a wildlife carer for AWARE Wildlife Rescue.
Paula also undertakes many volunteering roles including coordinating the Friends group working bees, undertaking garden assessments, and bringing vibrancy to her work.
The Outstanding Volunteer Organisation Award, including a $1000 prize, was won by Women and Mentoring (WAM). Women and Mentoring works towards positive change by matching a supportive volunteer mentor to community members who have court and legal matters. Women and Mentoring builds connection and understanding throughout the community, which means participants can remain in community and be a valuable part of society. Women and Mentoring builds a network of volunteers that learn about disadvantage in community, which builds knowledge, empathy, understanding and breaks down stigma and shame for participants.
Council CEO Phil Cantillon said: “There are many groups and programs in the Frankston City community who rely on the commitment and skills of our volunteers”.
“From providing Meals on Wheels, mentoring programs, and even in keeping our local beaches free from rubbish”.
“Congratulations and thanks to all the volunteer nominees, organisations and award winners. On behalf of an incredibly grateful Council and community, thank you to each and every volunteer who makes such a positive impact in Frankston City!”
Mr Cantillon also thanked the judging panel for the Volunteer Awards including Jackie Galloway OAM, Karin Hann and Shane Thomas.