The Boroondara Volunteer Awards celebrate volunteers and volunteer programs for their outstanding contribution to our community.
We presented 4 awards to acknowledge individuals and community groups whose commitment to volunteering makes a difference in Boroondara at an International Volunteer Day celebration on 2 December 2021.
Boroondara Volunteer of the Year joint recipients
Matthew Etty-Leal
Matthew was recognised for his volunteer service over four decades. His current volunteering includes providing history sessions to 12 community organisations, being a committee member with Balwyn Historical Society and serving as Parish Council member and COVID officer with St Barnabas Balwyn.
Matthew is also a reader with Vision Australia and accompanies clients at BASScare's Maranoa House on organised day trips.
Margaret Rogers
Margaret was a member of the Camberwell Community Centre Management Committee for 21 years, including 15 years as President.
Margaret advocated for and supported the redevelopment of Camberwell Community Centre to better meet the community's social, recreational, educational and cultural needs. Margaret is also a long-standing member of the Victorian Flute Guild, as a committee member, Treasurer and Secretary
Margaret now runs weekly Sunday morning Tai Chi sessions at Bowen Gardens.
COVID-19 Recovery: Outstanding Local Hero
Susan Zammit
Susan has been a Community Visitor volunteer with the Office of the Public Advocate for 19 years. Her role involves visiting vulnerable Victorians living in Supported Residential Services in the Boroondara area to make sure their human rights are being upheld.
During the pandemic, Susan was quick to pivot to 'remote safeguarding' to ensure residents were protected and their wellbeing was maintained. This involved telephoning Supported Residential Services and checking in on residents and their daily living conditions.
Volunteer Program Impact Award
Camcare's Emergency Relief Program
The Emergency Relief Program operated above and beyond through the pandemic, where volunteers provided information on mask wearing, vaccinations and the vaccine rollout.
Volunteers also provided vital resources in reception, administration, the bread-run, kitchen garden maintenance, events, statistics, community support, fresh food, home delivery, BBQs.
