By BRIDGET SCOTT
VOLUNTEERS from the Cardinia Shire took time out last week to be recognised for their selfless acts over the years.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Graeme Moore hosted the annual mayor’s reception at the Cardinia Cultural Centre last week, where there were many smiling faces to be found.
Hundreds of volunteers from local organisations turned out for the ceremony, which was an appreciation service hosted in thanks of these selfless community citizens.
Cr Graeme Moore thanked the volunteers for their tireless work and contributions to the town.
“I have looked forward to this since I started as mayor,” he said.
“You make sacrifices in your own lives so that other people’s lives can be better. You are an inspiring and selfless group of people,” he said.
“On behalf of everyone in Cardinia Shire, thankyou for generously giving your time, skills and passion freely and happily. Every one of you thoroughly deserves this opportunity to enjoy one another’s company and congratulate yourselves for what you do for our community.”
Lyn Stephenson, a member of Pakenham Red Cross for 47 years, was a guest speaker at the reception.
Mrs Stephenson said her mother, Lorna Giles, hugely influenced her own involvement in Red Cross.
The Cardinia Cultural Centre was packed full of men and women, boys and girls from various organisations throughout the shire.
With a huge majority from Red Cross, others were there from Senior Citizens, Scouts, Girl Guides and many more.
