EDITORIAL
Four Braidwood locals have been honoured with Monaro Service Awards. Joan Webb, Brenda Vardanega, Shirley Shoemark and former Braidwood Times managing editor Alexandra Rea were recognised for outstanding service to the community.
Ms Rea was honoured for her service to journalism and commitment to keeping the people of Braidwood informed; Ms Shoemark, Ms Vardanega and Ms Webb for their long-term commitment to a wide range of community groups.
Monaro MP John Barilaro said the awards were “a small way of thanking volunteers for what they do.”
The awards, which have been running for the past three years, were given to more than 50 people living in the seat of Monaro for their volunteer work in a range of areas, including the arts, environment, education, health, sport, heritage and pastoral care.
Over 5.8 million Australians engage in volunteer work every year, with 30.6 per cent of those living in NSW serving their community this way. Volunteering is more common among those living in rural areas, with 41pc of the population giving up their time to serve their communities. Many volunteers work with little recognition and the award seeks to highlight the efforts of those who support their local communities.
The Braidwood Times would like to thank Ms Rea, Ms Webb, Ms Vardanega and Ms Shoemark for their service to the community; in particular, Ms Rea for her contribution to the Times.
