Volunteers “the glue of community”

“The glue of community” was the expression used by Michael Shreenan of the Factory Community Centre, to describe the significance of the work done by volunteers in the community, at the Redfern and Waterloo Volunteers Awards ceremony on May 8.

“It’s great to see what the wonderful people of the community do, and be a part of it”, said Mr Shreenan. The Factory Community Centre was the organisation responsible for the event (in partnership with Housing NSW and Volunteering Australia.

The day was relaxed and casual as most of the volunteers had not only worked together for several years but lived together also, something which gave the occasion more the feeling of a neighbourhood BBQ, and less of a formal awards ceremony. “Everyone here was nominated by neighbours, the people they live with.”

Over 60 awards were presented to members of the Redfern and Waterloo community for their hard work and dedication to improving their local neighbourhood in areas such as housing, health and education. Some volunteers putting in up to full-time hours were acknowledged as a truly critical part of Redfern-Waterloo.

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The SSH’s many volunteers – writers, photographers and artists, proof-readers, editors and distributors – were among those acknowledged with an award “in recognition of outstanding volunteers and contribution to our community life”. To all our volunteers, a hearty thank you!

Photo: Andrew Collis - Olga Gutnik, a volunteer for the Russian community, receives her award. Olga, 85, is an entertainer, poetry writer, piano and accordion player.