A water ski enthusiast who has developed equipment and teaching techniques to enable people with disability to water ski was among 37 volunteers honoured this morning for their service to the community.
John Wilson has been volunteering for the Western Australian Water Ski Association for more than a quarter of a century and is still actively involved in the sport.
Speaking at the Liberal National Government's WA Volunteer Service Awards, Seniors and Volunteering Minister Tony Simpson said Mr Wilson was a fantastic example of a Western Australian volunteer who devoted years of his life to his passion.
"More than two decades ago, Mr Wilson was approached by a girl in a wheelchair who wanted to water ski. Since that time, he has helped numerous children with disability to pursue this sport," Mr Simpson said.
"By providing their time and resources, volunteers help deliver services, products and opportunities that otherwise might have been more expensive or not provided at all.
"I commend Mr Wilson and all the other volunteers for their service over the past 25 or more years - they truly are the backbone of our communities."
The WA Volunteer Service Awards program recognises Western Australian volunteers who have provided 25 or more and 50 or more years of service to one organisation.
Volunteers who have dedicated 50 or more years will be recognised at a ceremony to be held on Thank a Volunteer Day on December 5.
Fact File
Nominations for the awards are ongoing and can be submitted at any time throughout the year at http://www.dlgc.wa.gov.au
The State Government provides $1.3 million annually to the community services sector to support volunteering
In WA, four out of five adults volunteer every year with 5,000 organisations
Minister's office - 6552 6600
WA Volunteer Service Awards - 25 years or more
- Brian Atkins, People Who Care - Thornlie
- Kerry Davies, The Court Welfare Service Inc - Lesmurdie
- Laurel Kerrigan, The Court Welfare Service Inc - Scarborough
- Alice Carr, The Court Welfare Service Inc - Churchlands
- Denise Aitken, The Court Welfare Service Inc - Applecross
- Cynthia Playford, Kings Park Volunteer Guides - Nedlands
- Ann Newman, Kings Park Volunteer Guides - Duncraig
- Joan Pope, The University of Western Australia - Claremont
- Coralie Myers, VisAbility - Como
- Graham Bailey, Sussex Volunteer Bush-Fire Brigade - Vasse
- Richard Coleman, Darlington Theatre Players Inc - Helena Valley
- Janet Hole, Darlington Theatre Players Inc - Darlington
- Iain Martin, Darlington Theatre Players Inc - Darlington
- Marjan Martin, Darlington Theatre Players Inc - Darlington
- Lee Thompson, Darlington Theatre Players Inc - Helena Valley
- Daphne Wood, Art Gallery of Western Australia - Wembley
- Elizabeth Frith, Art Gallery of Western Australia - Dalkeith
- Marie Cownie, Art Gallery of Western Australia - Yokine
- Mary Livesey, Art Gallery of Western Australia - Applecross
- Eunice Cousins, Art Gallery of Western Australia - Mount Pleasant
- Judith Hugo, Art Gallery of Western Australia
- Jennifer Bradshaw, Look Good Feel Better - Hillarys
- Geraldine Roxburgh, Look Good Feel Better - Morley
- Annette Howard, Scouts WA - Wannamal
- Jacqueline Sutherland, Scouts WA - Atwell
- John Robertson, Scouts WA - Bayswater
- John Wilson, Western Australian Water Ski Association - Dianella
- Anne Young, Riding for the Disabled Association of Western Australia - Oldbury
- Adrienne Tennent, St Vincent de Paul Society - Willetton
- Daisy Westerhout, St Vincent de Paul Society - Canning Vale
- John Mitchell, St Vincent de Paul Society - Subiaco
- Errol James, St Vincent de Paul Society - Morley
- Denise Mousley, Perth Training and Obedience Dog Club Inc - Thornlie
- Deonne Bridger, Archery WA - Ballajura
- Lindsay Gibson, Exchange Teachers Association of WA - Clackline
- Donald McLeod, Exchange Teachers Association of WA - Mount Claremont
- Sally Mcleod, Exchange Teachers Association of WA - Mount Claremont
