EdConnect named Peel Community Group of the Year

 

EdConnect Australia has been named Community Group of the Year at the 2024 Alcoa Peel Volunteer of the Year Awards.

The awards shine a light on the invaluable contributions of volunteer organisations such as EdConnect, and the people who provide volunteer services for them.

One such volunteer is Tommi Barrie, who has dedicated her time helping students at Halls Head Primary School in Mandurah since 2001. Tommi was nominated for the Volunteer of the Year category for her services over the past 23 years, providing one-on-one sessions to help students, mostly in lower primary school, to develop literacy and numeracy skills.

EdConnect Area Manager Karen Barden said volunteers were the reason the charity could help students in the classroom.

Image: EdConnect volunteer Tommi Barrie, left, EdConnect Area Manager Karen Barden, and Mike Walmsley, Shire President, Shire of Waroona.

Image: EdConnect Area Manager Karen Barden and City of Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams.

“The remarkable commitment of volunteers like Tommi and the impact they make in the classroom reflect the essence of EdConnect Australia’s mission — volunteers helping students thrive,” Karen said.

Tommi has become a beloved figure in the school, with students eagerly awaiting their time with ‘Mrs Barrie’.

Halls Head Primary School pre-primary teacher Patricia Petchell said Tommi had made a lasting impression.

“Tommi’s professionalism, enthusiasm, and genuine care for supporting young children are unmatched,” she said.

“The strength she shows in making time to help others, even amidst her own challenges, is inspiring. She is a friend to me and to our students, and is a source of encouragement and joy.”

Karen said EdConnect Australia would extend its offerings next year.

“Thanks to generous support from the Alcoa Foundation, EdConnect will be working with more schools in 2025, offering more ways for volunteers to get involved,” she said.

“School Breakfast Club is perfect for busy or working people who can devote just a short amount of time at the start of the day, while listening to reading helps build a love of learning in students, or becoming a mentor is a fun way to connect.”

For more information on how to become a volunteer, visit our Volunteer page.

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Karen Barden
South West Area Manager
M0438 028 646
E southwestAM@edconnect.org.au