Meet the 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award winners
Town of Walkerville recognised the hard work and dedication of local community members at the 2023 Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Council held its annual Volunteer of the Year Awards in the Walkerville Town Hall, which included a speech from the Mayor of Walkerville, Melissa Jones.
Mayor Jones said, “These awards support the notion that there is no greater measure of a society’s strength than the people who make up its community.
“This years’ nominees are both outstanding and diverse. We recognise these volunteers for not only their contribution, but also for the example they set for others.”
The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Peter Sowden from the Walkerville Rotary Club for his dedication to volunteering at the Club.
Mr Sowden is the Director Community Service and runs multiple community events, such as the Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Concerts, fundraising barbecues, works to maintain Rotary’s tree growing facility, and fronting the ANZAC Day Gunfire Breakfast at the Walkerville RSL.
While accepting the award, he said, “Being a part of the Walkerville Rotary is simply about giving back to the community.
“I am constantly surprised by the good feeling I have from doing a Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Concert, or a barbecue, or any other event we do.
“I encourage people to volunteer because it is a good feeling. There is a lot of people who do what I do, so this award is for all of us!”
Community Event of the Year was awarded to the Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Concerts.
The popular event is held four times a year by the Walkerville Rotary Club. For 25 years, this concert has been held to support the Township and bring a few hours of joy to the community.
Mr Sowden accepted the award on behalf of the Rotary and said that the whole point of the concert was to give back to the community.
The Mayor’s Choice Award was presented to Barry Butler from the Walkerville Bowls Club.
A stalwart volunteer of the club since 1988, Mr Butler has been bar manager for the club for 35 years and run the Night Owls for 26 years. Mr Butler was made a life member of the Walkerville Bowling Club in 2000.
Certificates of Commendation were also awarded to runner-up nominees. Raina Nechvoglod received a commendation as runner-up for the Volunteer of the Year Award, and William Shaw OAM received a commendation on behalf of the Adelaide Male Voice Choir for being a runner-up in the Community Event of the Year Award category.
During Mayor Jones closing speech, she said, “Thank you for embracing the spirit of volunteerism to make all of our lives better.
“Please continue to seek opportunities to serve our communities and help those in need so that we can be the change we want to see in the world.”
See the full gallery below of the Volunteer Award festivities - Photographer - Simon Casson:
