Awards nod for volunteers

They’re some of Geraldton’s most inspirational people and organisations

Now, their tireless volunteer work in the community has earned them a nomination in this year’s 2016 Centacare Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Included in the nominee list are several local volunteers who give their time to charity and community organisations, including life member of the Geraldton PCYC Arthur “Sharkey” Ryan, Rotary Club of Geraldton member Dianne Gilleland and Geraldton Scout Group Joey Scout leader Kerrie Wann.

They normally do it without any recognition, but on International Volunteer Day next Monday, their efforts will be put in the spotlight during an awards ceremony at the Queens Park Theatre.

Mr Ryan, who first stepped into the PCYC when he was just seven years old, has been volunteering his time to the organisation over the last 67 years.

He mainly teaches a new generation of boxers inside the PCYC ring, but the jack-of-all-trades has also taken on numerous tasks and acti-vities delegated to him over the years.

Mr Ryan said he was humbled to be nominated by the organisation which had been such a big part of his life.

“I never worry about being recognised for any of these things because I think it’s important to contribute to the community in any way we can,” he said.

“I’ve had several generations of kids learning to box.

“Often I’ll get someone coming in only to tell me I taught their dad to box years ago.

“It’s not about boxing in the ring.

“It’s the fitness and the discipline they’re able to get out of training.”

Mrs Wann, nominated for the awards after giving more than a decade to the Geraldton Scout Group, has helped nurture many children to become leaders in the community.

Currently working on caring and sharing with her Joey Scouts, Mrs Wann said she was touched by the recognition.

The Geraldton Scout Group as a whole has also been nominated for the awards, alongside several other community organisations, including the Geraldton Toy Library and Geraldton Surf for Life, also nominated for its event Give Surfing a Go Day.

Centacare community volunteer service co-ordinator Kristy Geyson said the annual Centacare Volunteer of the Year Awards had been a way of highlighting the great work of people and organisations for more than seven years.

“The awards are an important way of increasing awareness of our volunteers and the great work they do in the community,” she said.