“There are many volunteers who deserve recognition for mentoring and supporting students, and choosing just ONE WINNER for each volunteer award was extremely challenging. That they have been nominated is a significant testament to their efforts,” says Gerri Clay, CEO EdConnect Australia.
Gerri Clay attributed the success of the school volunteering program to the volunteers who work directly with primary and high school students providing them with their time, energy, compassion and support. In 2022, 895 students were mentored by an EdConnect volunteer, and nearly 12,600 students received classroom support.
As part of the Awards Ceremony, held on 22 March 2023 in Maylands, EdConnect acknowledged and honoured several volunteers’ length of service: three volunteers had reached 20 years of service (including Mentor Volunteer of the Year, Malcolm Jennings) and 15 years of service, and six volunteers had completed ten years of service.
“We were so pleased to have Cr Steven Ostaszewskyj from the City of Bayswater present on the evening who helped to recognise our amazing volunteers who attended school week in and week out for many years,” Gerri Clay explains.
The annual EdConnect Australia WA Volunteer Awards recognises individuals who devote their lives to improving the lives of students. EdConnect Australia is celebrating a significant milestone of 25 years of volunteers supporting students in schools this year.
“A special thank you to our Guest Speaker, Meredith Hammat MLA, Member for Mirrabooka, for delivering an inspiring speech commending the powerful life-changing impact of EdConnect Australia volunteers on schools and students over the last quarter of a century,” she continued.
The event was attended by 70+ local WA volunteers, member school representatives, stakeholders, staff and Board of EdConnect Australia and the following dignitaries: Ms Meredith Hammat MLA, Member for Mirrabooka and Parliamentary Secretary, representing the Minister for Education and Training; Hon Donna Faragher MLC, Shadow Minister for Community Services, Early Childhood Learning, Youth, Seniors, and Ageing; Cr Steven Ostaszewskyj from the City of Bayswater.
