The outstanding contribution of volunteers and emergency service personnel in the Monaro has been recognised at a special awards ceremony held in Queanbeyan.
NSW Nationals Leader and Member for Monaro John Barilaro joined more than twenty-five local champions and their closest family and friends in acknowledging their exceptional efforts during what has been an extremely challenging year.
“Drought, bushfires and COVID-19 have inflicted enormous pain across our region. 2020 has been one of the toughest years we’ve ever had to face, but what these challenges have also highlighted is how many people we have in our community who are prepared to stand up and make a difference,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Whether they served on the frontline, became a voice for their community during a time of crisis, or have devoted huge chunks of their lives volunteering over many years – we are extremely lucky to have so many amazing individuals who call the Monaro home.”
The Monaro Service Awards are designed to honour community champions for their outstanding contribution in areas including arts, environment, multiculturalism, education, health, sport, heritage and pastoral care.
In total 18 individuals and three local community groups were recognised from the Queanbeyan-Palerang region.
“Our region is full of many worthwhile and hardworking groups, who answered the call when their community needed them the most,” Mr Barilaro said.
“It was an absolute pleasure to be able to join these local heroes and those closest to them today, and say thank you on behalf of the community.”
Mr Barilaro also took the opportunity to present Mr Darrel Gaukroger and Brian Osbourne with a certificate to acknowledge their 50 years of service to the local community as a NSW Justice of the Peace.
