Poll opens for Geelong local legends

VOTING is now open to crown the Geelong community’s top volunteer through Viva Energy’s 2022 Community Legend Awards.

Tireless helpers at sporting clubs, community support organisations and outreach programs have received nominations for this year’s People’s Choice Awards, with Geelong residents to pick a deserving winner from the 10 shortlisted nominations.

Nominees for the People’s Choice Award are:

Bobby Hayes, Geelong Soccer Club – a 50-year member who has served in roles from cleaning and maintenance all the way up to president

Damien McKeegan, Geelong Youth Engagement – a youth worker through the Geelong Kokoda Youth Program, which has supported 60 young people from Years 10 to 12 for challenges such as drug abuse, self-harming and homelessness

Damon Veitch, EdConnect Australia – a mentor to primary school students to acquire life skills and stay engaged in school

Geoff Templestowe, Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club – “Rass” has spent 50 years patrolling Surf Coast beaches and 43 years as the Jan Juc club’s secretary and club house manager

Jess Johns, South Barwon Football and Netball Club – A long-time junior coach for 10 years, before taking charge of the club’s Ladies Day, which raised $35,000, as part of a wider push to boost female participation in sport – which now represents 45 per cent of the club’s players

Karen Knuckey, Story Dogs – co-ordinator of the Geelong program that allows school children to improve their literacy by reading to dogs, which creates a relaxed environment for children to read with confidence and focus

Kerry Irvin, Christ Church Community Meals Program – Every month for more than 12 years, Kerry has sourced, cooked and served roast dinners for more than 150 Geelong residents in need

Libby Bate, Cancer After Care Group Geelong – The group has donated more than $4 million to the Andrew Love Cancer Centre under Libby’s leadership as president since 2009, providing Geelong patients with better-quality care close to home

Margaret Markovic, Road Trauma Families Victoria – Margaret is creator of the Raw2Roar program, which supports young people struggling with impacts of road trauma through a network of trained volunteers

Susan Eyton, Lions Club of Lara – racked up more than 260 volunteer hours and 3,700 kilometers travelled for volunteer work, including a vision screening program for local primary schools

A total prize pool of $75,000 is up for grabs for award categories through the Viva program, which also includes Community Legend of the Year, Rising Star Award for ages 16 to 26.

Each of the 10 finalists will receive a share to boost their volunteer groups.

Voting is open until September 18, with winners to be presented at an award ceremony on October 4 at GMHBA Stadium.