Young volunteer recognised at WA awards
Meadow Springs' Millie Penman, 17, was acknowledged as one of WA's leading young volunteers at the State Government's WA Volunteer Service Awards.
The awards during National Volunteer Week recognise West Australians who have contributed five or more years of voluntary service.
Twelve people received a Lifetime of Voluntary Service Award at this year's ceremony to acknowledge more than 60 years of service across causes including Girl Guides WA, Scouts WA and St John WA.
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The awards were also an opportunity to recognise young volunteers aged 18 to 25 years who are making a positive impact in their communities through volunteering.
Millie, a cadet unit leader at the Mandurah State Emergency Service, a TS Comet Royal Australian Navy cadet, and a committee member for the Meadow Springs Resident Group, was among those recognised.
Millie has dedicated her time to volunteering for more than 11 years and was a finalist for the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards earlier this year.
She said it felt absolutely incredible to be recognised at such a young age, but the recognition was not just a testament to her work but to all the volunteering organisations she's a part of.
'If it wasn't for any of my instructors or connections I have made along the way, I wouldn't be where I am today,' she said.
'Seeing myself in the newspapers, hearing myself live on my local radios and all over social media is an incredibly warming experience and a way for people to recognise the great things that come from volunteering. It's absolutely thrilling.'
Volunteering Minister Hannah Beazley said the WA Volunteer Service Awards were an important annual celebration of the humble community members who had devoted decades of their lives to giving back and whose generosity is making WA a better place.
'With our awardees contributing anywhere from five to 70 years of volunteer service, these individuals are proof it is never too late or early to give back — you never know what impact you will make,' she said.
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Meadow Springs' Millie Penman, 17, was acknowledged as one of WA's leading young volunteers at the State Government's WA Volunteer Service Awards. The awards during National Volunteer Week recognise West Australians who have contributed five or more years of voluntary service. Twelve people received a Lifetime of Voluntary Service Award at this year's ceremony to acknowledge more than 60 years of service across causes including Girl Guides WA, Scouts WA and St John WA. Your local paper, whenever you want it. The awards were also an opportunity to recognise young volunteers aged 18 to 25 years who are making a positive impact in their communities through volunteering. Millie, a cadet unit leader at the Mandurah State Emergency Service, a TS Comet Royal Australian Navy cadet, and a committee member for the Meadow Springs Resident Group, was among those recognised. Millie has dedicated her time to volunteering for more than 11 years and was a finalist for the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards earlier this year. She said it felt absolutely incredible to be recognised at such a young age, but the recognition was not just a testament to her work but to all the volunteering organisations she's a part of. 'If it wasn't for any of my instructors or connections I have made along the way, I wouldn't be where I am today,' she said. 'Seeing myself in the newspapers, hearing myself live on my local radios and all over social media is an incredibly warming experience and a way for people to recognise the great things that come from volunteering. It's absolutely thrilling.' Volunteering Minister Hannah Beazley said the WA Volunteer Service Awards were an important annual celebration of the humble community members who had devoted decades of their lives to giving back and whose generosity is making WA a better place. 'With our awardees contributing anywhere from five to 70 years of volunteer service, these individuals are proof it is never too late or early to give back — you never know what impact you will make,' she said.
