[caption id="attachment_11924" align="alignleft" width="560"] From left - Mina Cheng, Colin Grant, Mary Ramjan, Anthony Albanese, Melissa Cox, Kathy Fong, Jenny Wang, Lourdes Tee[/caption]
To commemorate International Volunteer Day, local MP Anthony Albanese today announced the 2012 National Volunteer Awards recipients in the electorate of Grayndler.
Mr Albanese said the Award recognised the contribution of local people and community organisations to the local community.
“We rely heavily on people who generously give their time, energy and expertise to deliver services across our schools, community centres and welfare agencies.”
“As life gets busier during the holiday season, we forget just how much our economy and society relies on the generosity of these people,” Mr Albanese said.
Local award recipients include:

Yan Min (Mina) Cheng who migrated from China in 2000 and has volunteered in the Canteen at Marrickville West Public School since 2006 as well as volunteering in the class room teaching Chinese culture and at fundraising events.

Melissa Cox is a semi retired teacher who volunteers at St Michael’s Primary School in Stanmore as a reading recovery teacher. She has assisted more than 60 students since she began and is also a great support to teachers.

Kathy Fong gives 15 – 20 hours a week of her time to help grow the sport of Badminton in NSW. In the past decade she has helped organise many tournaments across Sydney including the Yonex Australian Grand Prix which brought world class players to the Darling Harbour.

Colin Grant works in the study support centre at Rosemount Good Shepherd Youth and Family Services in Marrickville with young people who are disengaged from education helping them complete their studies. He’s been at Rosemount longer than any staff member other than the Manager.

Belinda Grey has contributed almost 1000 hours to St John’s Ambulance (Sydney University Division) at a wide variety of community events. While undertaking post-graduate Medical studies she has become a mentor and role model for other St John’s volunteers.

Emma Horsburgh is a grassroots coordinator for the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and has helped grow the number of young people involved in AYCC coordinate campaigns including Repower Australia, building support for renewable energy

Mary Ramjan has been an outreach volunteer with Schizophrenia NSW for the past 12 years. Each week she has phone conversations with approximately 18 people with mental ill-health providing support and friendship. She has helped many people to return to work and improve their health and relationships.

Lourdes Tee organised the Filipino Fiesta for more than 20 years through St Paul of the Cross Parish in Dulwich Hill. She has provided support and advocacy for many people, particularly Filipino families, including women in abusive relationships.

Jenny Wang volunteers at Rosemount Good Shepherd Youth and Family Services in Marrickville. She has given one day per week for the last 18 months and brings a compassionate and non-judgemental approach to supporting disadvantaged kids continue their education.