A night for our council volunteers

It was great to hear that Alan Todd won the Maitland City Council Volunteer Service Award on Wednesday night.

Alan has been significantly involved in the Morpeth Museum for over 10 years. He helps with exhibitions, runs tours and is currently the Chairman of the Management Committee and Secretary. He has a true love of this city and its heritage, and his passion for the Museum has allowed it to go from strength to strength over the years.

Alan is the ideal recipient of this award because he epitomises what it means to be a Council and community volunteer. He is hard working, passionate and importantly, he would never seek reward or recognition for what he does. However, it is important for Council to recognise volunteers because without them, so many events, exhibitions and community initiatives wouldn’t be possible.

Congratulations to Alan and his fellow nominees Andrea Pugh, Lynn Morris and Nerryn Bennett.

International Day of People with a Disability

On Monday I attended a morning tea for International Day of People With A Disability at Shear Abilities Hair Salon in Central Maitland.

The event was facilitated by Joblife and in attendance were Gary Blair from State Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison’s office, owner of Shear Abilities Desiree McDonald and lots of passionate locals.

It is important to remember the crucial role people with a disability play in the community and also the important role all of us play in inclusion.

Shear Abilities is one business that is doing amazing things for local people with a disability.