Borough salutes service of volunteers

THE Borough of Queenscliffe has recognised the dedication and impact of its local volunteers, bringing the community together in celebration at its annual Community Service Awards.

The event, held at the Point Lonsdale Surf Lifesaving Club during National Volunteer Week (May 19 to May 25), celebrated the more than 150 tireless individuals who volunteer countless hours of their time and expertise to support the local community.

“Our special place works so well because of our volunteers,” mayor Di Rule said.

“The borough has a long history of volunteers. That’s what knits us together as the welcoming community we are.”

Queenscliffe Climate Action Now (QCAN), a volunteer group that has championed sustainability since its formation in 2019, was named the Community Group of the Year.

The organisation has worked with the borough to declare a climate emergency and develop a response plan, assisted with solar installations at local schools and established programs, such as its community solar and energy efficient homes programs, to support the community to reduce their energy consumption and emissions.

Acting president Peter Cook celebrated the honour, which he said was that much more meaningful coming from the community the organisation has been a part of for almost six years.

“It’s fantastic to get the recognition from the community who’ve supported us right from the start,” he said.

“It was a community-based award and that was a really good feeling to know that they are behind us. We’ve done a lot of work, and you don’t always get the feedback and it’s nice when you do.

“We get a bit tired sometimes and you get to the point where you think ‘I wonder, is anybody out there actually noticing us?’, so it came at a really good time in that context.”

He said the organisation was looking forward to the coming installation of four Neighbourhood Community Batteries across the municipality, as QCAN continues its work to build connections with and between community groups and members, work with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to support care for Country and help the township find ways to slow climate change.

The borough’s Citizen of the Year Award, meanwhile, was presented to Bruce Golightly, who has served as a volunteer firefighter for more than 43 years and been captain of the Queenscliff brigade for the past six.

His ability to adapt, lead through periods of change and his efforts to boost volunteer numbers have been credited with reinforcing the brigade now and ensuring its sustainability into the future.

The award was accepted by Mr Golightly’s children on his behalf.