NRMA Helping People Awards

NRMA 2008 Helping People Awards

The Helping People Awards recognise and reward our unsung heroes who volunteer their time to make our communities a better place to live.

Those nominated for the NRMA Helping People Awards embody good old fashioned community values and are always willing to give their time to help someone in need with no expectation of anything in return.

NRMA Group CEO, Tony Stuart said "NRMA has a long history of helping its Members and the community with their journeys since 1920".

NRMA first launched the NRMA Helping People Awards in 2005 following research which revealed people's sense of community and willingness to help each other had diminished. The NRMA Helping People Awards aim to encourage people to think about the importance of community and helping each other and to take action and offer help themselves.

We are celebrating volunteers in our community by giving them a chance to receive some fantastic holiday breaks and donate $5000 to their charity!

We are proud to announce the four winners and runners up of the annual NRMA Helping People Awards!

The awards recognise the outstanding contribution of thousands of tireless volunteers, motivated by a simple desire to give back to their community.

Over 290 nominations were received in 2008, from across NSW and the ACT and we are proud to outline their achievements below.

The judging panel had an extremely difficult task in selecting this year's winners, with a very high calibre of nominations coming in from across NSW and the ACT.

The 2008 winners are:

Community Volunteer Award

Mr Stephen Morell
Youth Insearch
Over the past 10 years, Stephen Morell has mentored over 60 young adults with self-esteem issues, who are suicidal or engaged in petty crime. He sees his role as a life coach, giving young adults a sense of passion and purpose by introducing them to role models who have turned their own lives around.

Senior Volunteer Award

Mr Geoff Hicks
Glenreagh Heartstart
An innovative, medical response team was the brainchild of retired Ambulance Officer Geoff Hicks. Set up to assist people who are in a critical condition while awaiting ambulance assistance, Geoff has established a network of trained and equipped volunteers throughout Glenreagh, Nana Glen and Coramba.

Environmental Volunteer Award

Mr Peter Vaughan
National Parks Association, Como
A tireless volunteer and environmental advocate for the National Parks Association, Peter has given his time over the last 28 years, to guide hundreds of nature walks, present to community groups about the work of the NPA and run events across Southern NSW.

Young Volunteer Award

Ms Nicole Ziedan
St John Ambulance NSW
Nicole is a volunteer for both St John Ambulance and the NSW Fire Brigade, driving long distances to attend events, where she volunteers as a first aid officer. One of the more amazing stories we heard was the heroic effort Nicole showed by saving the life of a driver who she pulled from a crashed and burning car on her way home from work.

The 2008 runners up are:

Community Volunteer: Mrs Grace Fava, Autism Advisory & Support Service
Senior Volunteer: Mr Ted Donnelly, The Lane Cove Community Men's Shed
Environmental Volunteer: Ms Amanda Cox, Wombat Protection Society of Australia
Young Volunteer: Mr Sam Boughton, Kurri Community Centre

Prizes

Winners are awarded a well-earned break courtesy of NRMA Travel and Travelodge, with destinations including South Africa and Denmark.

Winners also receive $5000 to donate towards their charities.

Visit NRMA Travel or Travelodge to book your next holiday break.

Runners up receive 2 years Premium Care Membership from NRMA Motoring & Services.

An awards presentation was held for the 4 winners in Sydney in late September.

If you have any further queries regarding this year's awards, please email community@mynrma.com.au.