A Message from Alan Tudge MP, Federal Member for Aston
Once again I had the pleasure of hosting the annual Aston Community Awards, celebrating our local volunteers and community groups who give their time, skills and energy to helping others.
I instigated these awards six years ago to recognise some of the amazing volunteers in our community who are too often not recognised.
The awards are named after Tilly Aston who did more than any other Australian in our history, for the welfare of blind Australians through her tireless work and service as a writer, teacher and administrator.
My office received hundreds of superb nominations for the awards, three of which were selected as the winners of each of the three categories.
The winners and runners-up were:
Charles and Coral Carew – Senior Volunteer Achievement Award
Coral and Charles are a dynamic duo who are known to many throughout our community. They both volunteer at numerous organisations. Coral and Charles never have to be asked to support any community event; they offer their time freely and are tireless in their endeavours.
Alfred Norman – Senior Volunteer Achievement Award Runner Up
Alf is a member of St Luke’s Catholic Church Community and is very instrumental in putting his faith into practice, by helping in many ways in the community. He is the kind of person who just helps anyone who needs assistance. A wonderful person and gentleman.
Foothills Community Care – Community Group Award
Foothills Community Care has been serving the Knox community since 2002. Annually, Foothills provides over 9,000 free meals and over 4,500 free fresh food parcels to locals in need. Foothills offers a place where people can feel safe, valued and loved.
The Angliss Hospital Ferntree Gully Auxiliary – Community Group Award Runner Up
The Angliss Hospital Ferntree Gully Auxiliary has been running for 80 years. Since 1961 they have raised $1.7 million dollars to purchase additional vital medical equipment and continue to raise around $70,000 annually. They also produce many care products for the
patients of the hospital.
Trish Martin – Individual Volunteer Achievement Award
Trish has been volunteering at Knox BMX for 30 years. Trish spends lots of her time at the club, supporting and registering new members and introducing them to the sport. She has a great manner with children and their parents and makes everyone feel very welcome and safe at the club.
Murali Kumar – Individual Volunteer Achievement Award Runner Up
Mr Kumar is a talented musician and vocalist and has empowered over 150 young adults and kids over the past 25 years by sharing his gift through teaching. He has been at the forefront in community services and a committed volunteer in many initiatives.
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Well done to all of our finalists, runners-up, award winners.
I’d also like to thank all local volunteers who give their time and effort to help others. You are the glue of our community and make Knox a better place to live in. I will always do what I can to support you in the essential work you do.
Alan Tudge MP
