Volunteers recognised for their efforts

Not long after Bill Scott moved to Australind 14 years ago, he joined the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Australind conference which provides people in need with necessities such as food, clothing, furniture and emergency accommodation.

The society also helps people with medical and educational costs, payment of utility bills and supplies goods and furniture to clients of the South West Women’s Refuge and Pregnancy Assist Bunbury.

For many years Mr Scott has been holding garage sales at his house twice a year, collecting donations from furniture to kitchenware and clothing from donors with a team of volunteers.

Money raised from the sale goes to the conference to buy food and fuel vouchers for people doing it hard.

In 2014 Mr Scott received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award from Volunteer South West, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to the South West Women’s Refuge by providing furniture to enable women to set up their new home.

Mr Scott has also been a member of the WA Royal Agricultural Society and was recognised for 50 years of dedicated services.

Shire president Tania Jackson said it was an honour and privilege to present the prestigious Harvey Shire Meritorious Service Award to Mr Scott.

“Bill is highly regarded in the community and has helped many people in need of a hand over a long period of time,” Cr Jackson said.

Harvey resident Cody Birch won the Youth Award and Appreciation Awards were presented to George Mardon, Gary Quin, Rike Offer, Brian Hovey and Jessica Carbone.