Recipients from across the electorate were honoured with Monaro Service Awards for their efforts in supporting and caring for the community in various ways.

“The Monaro Service Award is a small way of thanking volunteers for what they do,” Mr Barilaro said.

“These people go above and beyond the definition of their role with little recognition to make the community they live in a better place.

“The award recipients are dedicated to their calling and make a difference to the local community.

“I congratulate and thank them for their efforts.”

Areas of service included: scouting, charity work, fundraising, animal rescue and care, the CWA, local events and festivals, health, agriculture, art and sports including cricket, rugby league, rugby union and golf.

“Behind the scenes of every community event, activity or fundraiser is a team of hard-working volunteers,” Mr Barilaro said.

“It was a pleasure to be able to join some of these volunteers and formally thank them for their contribution to our community.

“The Monaro is full of many worthwhile and hardworking community groups.

“Volunteers are the glue that holds many of these groups together.”

Five Outstanding Community Organisation Awards were also presented to various groups representing Queanbeyan, Delegate, Jindabyne, Cooma and the Snowy Mountains.

For their work in organising the Braidwood Fashion Show fundraiser. Reminiscing of her days in Braidwood as a girl, Helen Farley remembers the excitement of regular fashion show fundraisers that were held in the town annually. With the help of Julia Billington, they were able to revive this much loved past time and, at the same time, raise valuable funds for the Braidwood Anglican Hall. Hoping for a crowd of around 20 or 30 people, Helen and Julia were thrilled to see 160 people attend the event to raise a staggering $4,000. The event was a great opportunity for the community to get together and have some fun and laughs, but also to support the Committee in their work and upgrade of the much-loved Hall.

For her ongoing dedication and service to the Braidwood community. Annie is a well-known face in Braidwood and passionate about getting her town on the map for tourism, serving as President of the Braidwood & Villages Tourism Association and a tireless volunteer in the Visitors Information Centre. Annie also volunteers in a range of other capacities including on the Swimming Pool Committee, the Machine Show, Braidwood Show Society Steward and Majors Creek Festival. It is safe to say that Annie loves Braidwood. She is committed to the success of her town and she is always there to help.

For her service to those affected by the recent Tathra bushfires. When there are people, or animals, in need of help, Tracey goes one step beyond. Following the devastating Tathra bushfires in March, Tracey saw a community in need and decided to start collecting items for the sometimes forgotten victims of bushfires - the wildlife. Tracey's collection drive grew rapidly and she made two trips down to Tathra to deliver much needed assistance for local wildlife, people and their pets.

For his ongoing service to the local community. Nick is a well-known face in the Braidwood Community Bank, but also dedicates countless hours to volunteering for local community groups such as the Braidwood Tennis Club, as coach for the Braidwood Junior Soccer Club, as a Braidwood Life Centre Committee Member and Board Member of the Palerang Financial Bank. Whenever Nick sees something that needs to be done in his community or sees a local group in need of support, he is there to lend a helping hand and do what he can to make a difference.

For their long service to Scout groups in the Monaro. Laurie and Carol Joyce have been the backbone of the Braidwood Scout Group for the last 10 years. When the Group no longer had youth membership, the dedication and respect for Scouting led Laurie to keep the Group operational. A committee was formed and supported by Laurie, and Leaders signed on. The 1st Braidwood Scout Group had a new lease on life. Laurie’s wealth of experience in Scouting of nearly 30 years, enabled him to be a mentor, supporter, facilitator and driving force to see the resurgence occur. Throughout this time, Carol was the Treasurer. She kept the financial viability in place through her respectful dedication to her role. Additionally, Carol undertook the role of Southern Ranges District treasurer and was committed to not only providing financial expertise to the District as well as the 1st Braidwood Scout Group, but provided financial mentoring to treasurers in other Groups. The role of treasurer in a volunteer organisation such as Scouting is complex and reliant on attention to detail and rigorous reporting procedures. Laurie and Carol are passionate about Scouting and are dedicated to encouraging local youth to get involved and learn new skills in a welcoming and fun environment.

For service to the community through his passion for volunteering. Kevin established the Braidwood Junior Soccer Club and has been involved ever since. Kevin is an active member of the Braidwood Men's Shed, where he has been a committee member, and instrumental in obtaining grants for the club. Kevin is a passionate volunteer and helps with the upkeep of the Braidwood Servicemen's Club bowling green.

For his service to education and sport in Braidwood and surrounds. Rob has taught in the area for over 30 years and spent many of them as a Careers Advisor, assisting hundreds of students in preparing for their future path outside of school. Around 12 years ago Rob established the Braidwood Education Foundation and remains a founding committee member, with the Foundation having supported over 200 students to obtain much needed financial assistance when commencing tertiary studies. Rob has a passion for sport and served for over 20 years as the president of the Braidwood Cricket Club. Rob has also been a valued member of the Braidwood Golf Club and is a quiet achiever and is described as the type of person that every town needs.

For his service to the Palerang Local Action Network for Sustainability (Future PLANS) and the Geary's Gap Local Landcare Group. David is a humble and quiet worker, always willing to lend a hand in supporting these local groups improve environmental outcomes in the region. As a member of the Canberra Ornithologist Group, David oversaw the delivery of a project with the Bungendore Men's Shed in 2015 to build 20 bird boxes for rare and endangered birds in the area. David works quietly behind the scenes to assist local organisations as they work to improve environmental outcomes for the region.

For her ongoing support for RFS cadet programs in her community over the past 12 years. Christine has coordinated the RFS cadet program at Braidwood Central School, which over 200 students have successfully completed. Christine's dedication to the RFS doesn't stop here - she is also a member of the Bombay Rural Fire Brigade, the Lake George Zone Operations Support Group and has assisted in providing administration support and coordinating radio communications in the Eastern side of the Lake George Zone. Christine's passion for the RFS is well-known and it is fantastic to see her sharing her valuable experience with the new generation of RFS volunteers.

For his service to sport in Braidwood. Michael is a talented and dedicated sportsman involved in a range of sports from golf to rugby union, but is also someone who is passionate about giving back to their community. Michael has coached the Braidwood Women's 7s side, is always on hand to help with the Braidwood Men's and junior sides and has been President of the Braidwood Tennis Club for the past 4 years. Michael has also been instrumental in encouraging Braidwood youth to get involved in sports, organising coaching clinics and upgrading the tennis courts. Michael sits on a range of sporting committees and his sporting achievements are too numerous to list, but it is his sportsmanship and commitment to the sporting community that mean so much to the Braidwood community.

For his service to the Majors Creek community. Craig is a board member of the Majors Creek Reserve Trust and is the Reserves Grounds Manager and has volunteered for almost five years. Craig has been instrumental for many of the improvements on the Reserve including maintaining the grounds, renovating the Community Hall kitchen facility and other facilities at the Reserve. Craig's efforts do not go unnoticed and his hardwork and commitment to his community is highly valued and appreciated. Craig could not be with here with us today, so his award is being accepted by Rudi Stachow on Craig's behalf.

For her service and support of the elderly people in her community. For three years Irene has volunteered to run a Tai Chi for the elderly class in Braidwood, which has given some participants a new lease on life and freedom to do what they enjoy. The class caters for all skill and mobility levels and is taught slowly to give everyone a chance to learn the moves and feel the benefits of Tai Chi.