Community & Business
25 November, 2024
TRC thanks its volunteers for extraordinary service
Glynn Mace and Joan Smith, were among 33 council-managed volunteers who were honoured by Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) on Friday, 15th November, for reaching milestones at a recognition of service function at The Annex in Toowoomba.
“Volunteers make a vital contribution to the wellbeing of individuals and their respective communities,” Toowoomba Region Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald said.
For many of the recipients, volunteering is a way of life - simply a part of their daily, weekly or monthly commitments.
Ms Smith, who is 86 years old, has been volunteering with the Pittsworth Pioneer Historical Village for thirty years.
Throughout the years, she has put her hand up to be on the monthly roster, assisted with catering, and according to museum curator Mary Sullivan, she is a wealth of local knowledge.
“If I ever had any questions, Joan would be my first go-to person,” Ms Sullivan said.
“She’s a great asset up there [Pioneer Village].”
Unfortunately Ms Smith was unable to attend the function in Toowoomba, however another well-known volunteer, Lyndall Madden, received the certificate on her behalf.
Ms Mace received a certificate of appreciation for her volunteering efforts at the Pittsworth Pioneer Historical Village over the last ten years.
With a passion for cooking, Ms Mace has been involved in organising the catering onsite for groups and events.
Other volunteers recognised in the rural regions were Glennis Philbey - 25 years (Cecil Plains Australia Day), Eddie Star - 20 years (Clifton Australia Day), Jason Lee - 10 years (Oakey Australia Day) and Anne Pedersen - 10 years (Clifton Australia Day).
“Volunteers are our bearers of goodwill across the Region,” Mayor McDonald said.
“The 33 volunteers recognised today [15 November] have recorded an incredible 300 years of service to the communities across our Region,” he said.
“When combined with other volunteers who have served for 20 years or longer, we have an extraordinary 827 years of voluntary service contributed by our Council-managed volunteers.
“We are extremely grateful to every volunteer for the friendly and dependable service they offer across our organisation.
“Our volunteers display kindness, which is the universal currency that transcends borders, cultures, and languages; it enriches our communities, fosters connections, and has the power to change lives—proving that even the smallest gestures can have the greatest impact.”
