Volunteers across Greater Shepparton have been recognised and celebrated for their contributions to the community at the 2024 Greater Shepparton Volunteer Recognition Awards.
The ceremony, held at Riverlinks Eastbank, was booked out, with over 360 people in attendance and hundreds tuning in from home.
Held at the start of National Volunteer Week on Monday, May 20, this year’s ceremony reflected the week’s theme of ‘Something for Everyone’, which emphasises that there is a place for everyone in volunteering.
This year saw the highest number of nominations recorded in the award’s history, with 45 volunteers receiving a nomination.
The 2024 Young Volunteer award went to Ruby Wyatt-Carter for their contributions with Goulburn Valley Pride and Out in the Open.
Elaine Danda received the 2024 Adult Volunteer award for her dedicated efforts with Goulburn Valley Health.
The 2024 Long-Serving Volunteer was awarded to Gary Gray for his long-standing contributions to multiple Men’s Sheds in Greater Shepparton, and his passion for advocating for men’s health.
Members of City of Greater Shepparton Group of Fire Brigades and Member Brigades were recognised with the 2024 Volunteer Team award, for their unwavering commitment to supporting the community day and night.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali congratulated each of the winners on their awards.
“Every nomination we received was truly deserving of an award, but our winners stood out for their remarkable dedication to the community over several years,” he said.
“Our volunteers deserve special recognition, and this year’s nominations showcase the impactful work happening across our community.”
This year also saw the introduction of a new award, the Greater Shepparton Women’s Charter Award, which celebrates and commends women for the impact they have made in the community.
The first recipient of this award was Chelsea Sofra, who was nominated for her ongoing personal and professional commitment to equity and inclusivity, as well as her work as the manager of the Goulburn Valley Centre Against Sexual Assault.
Cr Sali congratulated Ms Sofra on her award.
“Chelsea Sofra was recognised for her outstanding contributions to our community, and she is a very deserving winner of the 2024 women’s award,” he said.
“To select one recipient for the award out of eight incredible nominees would have been an exceptionally difficult task, so I would like to thank all of the nominees for their significant contributions to the Greater Shepparton community.”