Several hundred Redlands volunteers attended a special Redlands Volunteers’ Christmas Celebration on Saturday to recognise their vital contribution to the city.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the brunch and entertainment event at the award winning Redlands IndigiScapes Centre marked thousands of volunteer contributions across a wide diversity of roles.
“We have volunteers contributing to our city’s sporting activities, marine rescue and lifesaving, emergency and rural fire services; aged, youth and disability support; museums and galleries and wildlife rescue and bushcare just to name a few,” she said.
“Without their selflessness, motivation and passion our city would certainly be the poorer.”
The late June Craven was among the special tributes at the festive brunch.
June, who passed away earlier this year, was commemorated for her tireless years of fund raising for the Cancer Council, an effort that is continuing through volunteer fund raising efforts across the city.
Former Redland Museum president Ross Bower, who this year received the Greg Cook Volunteer Recognition Award, was also given special mention for his unwavering commitment, tireless dedication and outstanding leadership.
Cr Williams said the city was also particularly lucky to boast the best SES unit in the Region for the sixth year in a row.
“Our local SES unit received the accolade for going above and beyond during the North Stradbroke Island bushfires in December and January this year,” she said
“This follows a similar extraordinary effort the previous year when ex-tropical cyclone Oswald hit the city.
“Our city and community rely heavily on our thousands of volunteers, and they always respond selflessly to this need.
“Christmas is also a time when many of them shine through their support for the less fortunate in the community
“On behalf of all the Redlands community, it is a special delight to be able to say thank you to all our volunteers and wish them all the blessings of Christmas and the festive season.”
