Frankston City’s tireless and dedicated volunteers have been celebrated at the Impact Volunteer Awards 2022.
Frankston Mayor, Nathan Conroy was joined by the State Member for Frankston; Paul Edbrooke; Councillor Sue Baker; Council CEO, Phil Cantillon; Director Communities, Angela Hughes; Manager Community Strengthening, Tim Bearup and nominees for the Awards at Frankston Arts Centre.
“Our volunteers are the absolute best of Frankston City – constantly and selflessly serving their community. The inspirational people recognised in the Impact Volunteer Awards 2022 are dedicated to supporting others in need over a long period of time,” said Mayor Conroy.
Beverley Valentine from Meals on Wheels and Marcus Grinblat from Coast Guard Frankston
were announced as joint winners of the Service to the Community Award.
“Bev has been volunteering with Meals on Wheels for 30 years! In this time, she has proved to be a reliable and hard-working volunteer who always has a smile on her face and a can-do attitude, who drives two days per week,” the Mayor said.
“Bev is incredibly community-minded and has been volunteering not only with Meals on Wheels, but also the local hospital. All her spare time is spent helping people in need.”
The Mayor said Mr Grinblat has been a member of Coast Guard Frankston for 50 years.
“He began as a cadet and has held many roles, including: Flotilla Training Officer, Flotilla
Commander, Data Entry Officer, Vice- Captain communications, Victoria Squadron and
Training Assessor,” he said.
“Marcus has been an active proponent of making Frankston waters safe, in promoting safety and advocating for better facilities for boaters and the community.”
The Leadership Award was presented to Andrea McCall from Frankston University of the Third Age (U3A).
“As President of U3A Frankston over the last three years, Andrea has been responsible for a move to Karingal PLACE Neighbourhood Centre from John Paul College in 2019, and then has lead the group of over 500 members for the following two years through COVID,” said Mayor Conroy.
“She never backed away from a problem and dealt with issues head on. Her sense of humour, dedication to hard work and personal motivation have been an inspiration to all at U3A Frankston.”
The Teamwork Award was presented to Community Support Frankston. The organisation’s volunteers have collaborated with many stakeholders and other services to provide critical support for the city’s most vulnerable residents.
This has included emergency food supports, utility bill payments and advocacy, essential
medical script needs and housing related needs.
The Initiative Award was presented to Jack Wheeler from Peninsula Transport Assist.
“Jack has been a volunteer driver for Peninsula Transport Assist since 2016. In that time, he has made 447 trips, which accounts for nearly 4% of all of Peninsula Transport Assist drives,” the Mayor said.
“In addition to his work as a driver, Jack offered to run monthly Bunnings Sausage sizzles to assist with fundraising. He has run three BBQs, which raised an additional $3000 – providing vital financial support for Peninsula Transport. Well done Jack.”
Madison Horp and Brianna Neill, from Frankston North Community Centre, were joint winners of the Youth Award.
“Madison joined Frankston North Community Centre as a student in the Hospitality course. She got so much out of that that she decided to stay on and help out the centre as a volunteer in the cafe,” the Mayor said.
“Madison is an excellent example of how a local community member can take a chance and
sign up for a course, and end up progressing through to volunteering and becoming a part of the centre.
“Brianna completed the Introduction to Hospitality program at the centre. She was inspired
by the skills she gained and wanted to put these to further use with the community.
“Brianna is building wonderful networks and connections with other participants and
volunteers and has brought joy to the centre’s Wednesday cafe service.”
The Outstanding Volunteer Organisation ($1000) Award went to Peninsula Transport Assist.
Peninsula Transport Assist is an organisation which has had an extraordinary and positive
influence across the Frankston City region.
“This is well-deserved recognition for an amazing organisation. Peninsula Transport Assist Incorporated (PTA) was established in 2013 to tackle the important issue chronic transport disadvantage, and related social isolation, both on the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston City,” said Mayor Conroy.
PTA has 74 volunteer drivers and since 2016 has provided 11,058 two way trips. Twenty-six
per cent of trips started in the Frankston City Council area and 76% of trips were for
health or medical appointments.
Council CEO, Phil Cantillon said: “From providing Meals on Wheels to helping out with a local sporting club, and even in keeping our local beaches free from rubbish – we rely on the work of our volunteers to keep the City running.
“Congratulations and thanks to all of the volunteer nominees, organisations and award winners. On behalf of an incredibly grateful Council and community, thank you to each and every volunteer who is making a positive impact in Frankston City.”
