Lower South West volunteers awarded for long-term service

Four Lower South West volunteers who have dedicated themselves to helping others for more than 25 years were honoured at the 32nd annual WA Volunteer Service Awards last week. Included in the list of 166 volunteers was Manjimup’s Kay Rowe and Dingup’s Timothy Foley for their service to the St Vincent De Paul Society, and Helen Allen, of Northcliffe, who was recognised for her work with the Scout Association of WA. Manjimup’s John Jonker was one of just six award recipients in the 50 years or more category for his volunteer career with the Manjimup Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service. Mr Jonker, 69, began volunteering with the service in 1968 after he was asked to join the running team and is now a life member. John said he felt the award was more for all the volunteers who gave up their time to the service, not just himself. “It’s a community thing and also for the other guys in the brigade, it’s not only me, it’s the whole brigade,” he said. “I’ve been here for a long time, but it means a lot more to the other guys as well.” Mr Jonker said the most enjoyable part of volunteering with his local fire and rescue was simply the satisfaction of helping those in need. “The main thing is just mateship and making sure everyone is right,” he said. “When we’ve had a traffic accident, we don’t get it very often, but some people will send us a letter or let us know how they’re getting on and thanking us very much because a lot of people we don’t see after. “It’s a rewarding thing to be in something like the fire brigade or ambulance, or even SES, and anyone that’s looking for something like that should join up.” The awards program is run by the Department of Communities as part of National Volunteer Week and acknowledges the incredible contributions by volunteers who have dedicated more than 25 years to their communities.