Mt Duneed school volunteer wins national award from EdConnect

MOUNT Duneed Regional Primary School volunteer Deidre Moss has been recognised for her efforts this year with a national award from EdConnect.
The charity, which trains, supports and places volunteers in local schools to improve the lives of vulnerable students, held its inaugural National Volunteer Awards Ceremony earlier this month.
The virtual presentation focused on awarding and recognising the influential work EdConnect volunteers contributed to local students, schools and the broader community.
Ms Moss, who also volunteers at Geelong High School, was named Learning Support Volunteer of the Year.
She believes EdConnect adds considerable and far-reaching value to the community.
“It not only benefits schools and their students by providing skilled, retiree volunteers with a wealth of experience in their respective fields to help students, it also keeps the volunteers engaged directly with the community,” she said. “I feel this is very important for self-worth and self-morale.
“This volunteering opportunity has impacted on my life greatly, having returned in 2015 from living in Asia for 44 years. EdConnect has provided me with a sense of purpose and kept me involved with the young, and the workforce. The support staff at EdConnect have always been helpful, engaging and supportive in my role. ”
Mount Duneed Regional Primary School principal Shaun Haberfield said Ms Moss was well respected and valued by the school’s staff and pupils.
“She’s a huge support to our school, and we are very proud that she has been recognised in this way.”
EdConnect liaison officer for Geelong/Surf Coast Sally Edgerton said Ms Moss was one of the standout EdConnect volunteers in the region.
“She has offered her time to support EdConnect in many ways from volunteering in schools to freely sharing her volunteer story with the community to encourage them to join the organisation.”
EdConnect general manager for the east coast Danie McNeil said she had the pleasure of visiting both schools to hear first-hand how much they appreciated “Deirdre’s time, knowledge, passion and the assistance she provides students”.
“Volunteers like Deirdre Moss provide a stable and consistent influence in a young person’s life – many of whom face challenges that affect their academic success and engagement in school.”
If you are interested in joining EdConnect to support local students, phone EdConnect on 1800 668 550 or head to edconnectaustralia.org.au.