The Huon Valley Council Volunteer Service Awards are presented annually during National Volunteer Week (18–24 May) to recognise the achievements and contributions made by the many volunteers in our community.
Congratulations to this year’s highly deserving award recipients:
Volunteer Service Award
Kaitlyn Bailey
Kaitlyn Bailey has been volunteering as a teaching assistant in the Early Childhood classrooms at Dover District School for the past two years, where she enjoys working with the young children and helping them achieve the best of their ability in the classroom environment. Kaitlyn is a valued member of the Dover District School.
Special Volunteer Service Award
Kerrie-Lyn O’Neill
Kerrie-Lyn O’Neill has volunteered in the local community for many years, first with supporting the Cygnet mini-league club in which her sons played. Kerrie- Lyn has held many committee roles over the years, including being a part of the committee in the forming of the Southern Storm – a combination of Cygnet and Kermandie Junior Football Clubs.
Kerrie-Lyn has held the role of treasurer for a number of years, and continues to work tirelessly to ensure the Cygnet Football Club maintains financial viability through seeking sound financial advice and fundraising.
Lois Bennett
Lois Bennett moved to Tasmania from New South Wales with a wish to being more involved in the local community following her retirement.
Lois is currently the secretary of the Geeveston Community Hall and Pensioners Association of Tasmania, a volunteer at the Vinnies Huonville store, and a member of the local conference of St Vincent de Paul.
Lois is described as a relentless volunteer, a wicked cool lady with a great heart.
Outstanding Volunteer Service Award
Glynn Shevels
Glynn Shevels arrived in Tasmania in 2010 and immediately became involved in the Living Boat Trust at Franklin, volunteering in their workshops repairing and maintaining boats in their fleet as well as running the Safety on the Water program for school students.
This role expanded his networks to include working with Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) and Volunteer Marine Rescue to deliver and promote Safety on the Water education in the community and at the Huon Valley Trade Training Centre where he volunteers as the Coxswain Course Teacher.
Kirk Ashlin
Kirk Ashlin has been a volunteer fire fighter for 23 years, where he has demonstrated excellence, passion and commitment. Kirk has taught new members coming into the brigade and has led the team as an Officer and now Brigade Chief.
Kirk generously supports the community in many ways, such as supporting local events, donating his time and equipment, as well as bringing kindness to people’s lives without even knowing it.
Barbara Glaus
Barbara Glaus is a long-standing volunteer for several community groups in the Huon Valley’s Far South. Barbara has served as the secretary for the Far South Tasmania Local Tourism Association for more than 12 years, as well as other community organisations including Southport Community Centre and Far South Future.
Barbara works quietly, effectively and professionally in the background of organisations, including regional tourism bodies and Tourism Tasmania, where she has earnt the respect of many.
Barbara has also volunteered for the inaugural ‘Tassal Ten’ Fund Run in Dover and spent many hours behind the scenes supporting local events in the Far South, managing local websites, social media sites and collaborative advertising campaigns.
Anne Le Fevre
Since opening the Huon Art Exhibition Lovett Gallery in Cygnet in 2008, Ann Le Fevre has been the group’s treasurer.
In addition to her role of treasurer, Anne volunteers at the Gallery on weekly basis, supports the Huon Art Awards exhibition and earlier Watermark and Southern Exposure exhibitions, always with patience and a ready smile.
Anne is an avid gardener, participating in Gardening Australia’s Open Garden Scheme for many years. Anne also initiated and coordinates the Eggs and Bacon Bay community morning tea each month.
Kaye Coulson
Kaye Coulson’s devotion to the community through her daily volunteering work is ongoing and tireless. Whether it is at home, baking cakes to support the annual sports club fundraiser, preparing a meal for those in need, fundraising for the many causes that surround us, or volunteering at the local school where she taught for 40 years supporting staff and students.
Kaye is also the president of the Dover History Group, supporting the organisation and activities of the group, and the Museum Gallery, as well as the Esperance Sub Branch RSLA assisting with the annual Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services.
Help us celebrate!
Huon Valley Council is delighted to officially recognise and thank these individuals who show a special dedication to assist and care for the people of the Huon Valley. Please join us in celebrating this year’s recipients and all Huon Valley volunteers on the Council’s Facebook page during National Volunteer Week.
Special thanks to Council volunteers
Council would also like to sincerely thank the people who volunteer to run the beloved Huonville Reuse Shop, mentor learner drivers through the Gearing Up program, help look after our local cemeteries, and the members of the management committees who ensure our community facilities are maintained so they are used by our community.
On behalf of the community, we look forward to when we can have you safely back in your valuable roles.