VOLUNTEERS were recognised for their dedication to community, their passion for helping others and for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others through the adding of their names to the Town and Country Volunteers Honour Board.
Each year the Rosewood Lions take on the role of accepting nominations for the board then they make a special presentation to those nominees who have been successful.
Rosewood Lions President Ken Kuen said he knows what it is like to be part of a volunteer group through his involvement with the Lions.
“The Rosewood Lions play an important role here in our community through the Opportunity Shop, the caravan park and through community fundraisers that are held throughout the year,” he said.
“Alongside the Lions club there are other community groups, clubs and organisations where many people have devoted numerous of hours to giving back to others.
“These people are a true example of what community spirit is all about, and their names have now been added to the Town and Country Volunteers Honour Board to recognise their efforts and to be a part of our local history.”
Volunteers whose names were added to the board for 2021 were Patrick Mann, Brett Goodlet, Chrissie and John Turner, Christine and Matthew Denkel, Pat and Bernadette Lenihan, David Pahlke, Ron Turner, Ross Blanch and Andrea Bramwell.
“These people participate in volunteering not for recognition, but instead because they are quiet achievers and they like to help others,” President Ken said.
The highlights of why the 2021 volunteers were chosen are:
Patrick Mann for 15 years of continued service to the Rosewood State School. He is now a Life Member who initiated a Chess Club to support and guide students in primary and high school.
Brett Goodlet for his involvement with Rosewood State School since 2008 where he is now a Life Member, also for his service in the Rosewood Soccer Club, the Rosewood Scouts, Rosewood Dance, the Rosewood Little Athletics and the Rosewood Community Centre.
Ron Turner for his service to the Rosewood Soccer Club for 17 years where he has held the role of President for 16 years, mentored young players, and also for his dedication to the Rosewood Community Centre and the Rosewood - Laidley Car Club.
John Turner, who has been a Justice of Peace for 55 years, Life Member of the Rosewood Apex Club, the Ambulance Committee and the Cabanda Board.
Together with his wife Chrissie, John has given four decades of service on the Anzac Park Sport and Recreation Club board, and they have also both been involved in the Queensland Cancer Council door knock appeals, the Rosewood Bowls Club and the St Brigid’s Parish and school.
Pat and Bernadette Lenihan for their involvement with the St Brigid’s Parish, the church restoration, more than 60 years with the Rosewood Show Society and for initiating the restoration project of the Rosewood train station.
Christine and Matthew Denkel for over 30 year’s service with the Rosewood State School, and during these years they have been involved with the school canteen, uniform shop, fundraisers and sport. They also hold Life Membership with the Met West schools softball club.
David Pahlke for his service with the Chamber of Commerce, the National Stamp Advisory, the Postmaster’s Association, the Rosewood Lions, the Council and for involvement in community events, fundraisers and the Rosewood History Group.
Ross Blanch for making a difference in countless people’s lives through 27 years volunteering service with Ipswich Crisis Lifeline and in the Community Recovery Program. He also initiated the Lifeline Farmer to Farmer program.
Andrea Bramwell for 20 years with St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School and involvement in many fundraisers, events and in assisting students. Also for two decades of service in the school tuckshop.
Each volunteer was presented with a certificate of recognition at a special ceremony that was held in front of the Honour Board.
They were all invited to the Royal George Hotel for refreshments after the presentation.