Cessnock MP Clayton Barr honours local volunteers

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Clayton Barr, Member for Cessnock, yesterday recognised five local people who have dedicated countless hours to volunteering in the Cessnock community.

Mr Barr hosted a morning tea at Cessnock Regional Art Gallery to thank each of the volunteers for their ongoing dedication to making a difference in the community.

Four recipients were honoured through the Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program which is a way for the local community to celebrate volunteers of all ages from across the community.

Those recognised through the Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program were:

  • Ellena Morris who received a certificate to commemorate 25 years of volunteering
  • Joanne Smith who was recognised for her significant volunteering in the community
  • Keith Hearnden who was honoured with a certificate to celebrate his volunteering efforts in retirement
  • Deborah Mellross who was honoured with a certificate to celebrate her volunteering efforts in retirement

Terry O’Brien was also recognised for over 50 years of service to the community as a Justice of the Peace.

Mr Barr said “Volunteers are the lifeblood our community and we rely so heavily on them. Without volunteers, there is no doubt our community would not be able to function as successively as it does”.

“The morning tea was a perfect way to acknowledge and celebrate the selfless efforts of each of these volunteers”.

“In no way do any of these volunteers seek public recognition, but given their achievements, I think each of them deserve to be applauded by our community”.

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