Ken Schneider

from St John’s Ambulance 

Ken began his volunteering journey with St John Ambulance NSW in January 1953 as a cadet. Since that time, he has held every St John Ambulance volunteer role at one time or another from cadet to Area manager. His outstanding volunteering commitment has spanned 65 years and earner him an Order of Australia Medal and a commander of St. John medal. 

Ken’s dedication to his volunteering is unstoppable. Very soon after having extensive heart surgery this year Ken was back in the saddle conducting education for the Central Coast Men’s Shed program on men’s health and CPR. Ken’s wife is a constant support, and he also is her carer.

Ken frequently attends St John Ambulance education sessions on the Central Coast and never misses a chance to mentor and educate young volunteer members, he always makes new members to the division feel welcome.

Roma Dowling

from Community Visitor Scheme

 Roma has volunteering with the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) in Toukley for 25 years. The CVS aims to enrich the quality of life of socially isolated people living in aged care residential facilities who are lonely and would benefit from a friendly visitor. Roma began visiting and befriending aged care residents at Norah Head nursing home in 1996. Roma’s first CVS friend was Libby, who she visited for 17 years, before the Libby was relocated to rural NSW. In 2017, Roma was re-matched at the Vietnam Veterans Hostel where she is still currently visiting.

Roma has adapted to changes and challengers during Covid-19 by learning how to use technology and visiting virtually using Zoom. In the 25 years she has volunteered there have been many health challenges that have not hindered her visiting in any way. She is a great ambassador to the Community Visitors Scheme with her dedication, contribution, friendship to the residents and the CVS Volunteer team at Toukley.

Jayne Mote

from Brisbane Water Rotary Club

 Jayne is a tireless community worker. Her accomplishments include a multitude of fundraising activities including the Central Coast RSPCA Trivia Night (2019); organised food collections for Coast Shelter, Fairhaven 1980s Trivia Night, and Brisbane Water Historical Society Trivia Night (2020). 

Jayne’s community service is exemplified through her membership of the Rotary Club of Woy Woy (2008-18); home hosting a Rotary Friendship Exchange from Iowa, USA (2009); home hosting a member of Rotary's Group Study Exchange Program (2010); co-founding the Central Coast Rotaract Club (2010-11); and co-founding the Rotary Club of Brisbane Water (2019). 

Jayne has held a range of Rotary Leadership roles including Rotary Assistant Governor - Lower Central Coast (2012-13); Team Leader of Rotary's Group Study Exchange Program (2012-13); Rotary's District Interact Chair (2015-) Her work is far-reaching and significant.

Helen Walker

from Coastability

Helen has been a valued, and dedicated volunteer as a committee member, and on the governance level of several local associations since 1960s. These include Fairhaven Services; the Girl Guides Association as well as the Central Coast branch of ‘Newcastle and District Crippled Children’s Association’, which transitioned through Weeroona, to become ‘Wheeling and Able’ and now is an independent organisation called CoastAbility. 

Helen has been a Justice of the Peace since 1990 and is a great example a person with the ethic of probity, service to others and a positive can-do attitude. Her leadership provides wisdom, ingenuity, and practical common sense, and inspires enthusiasm. A truly selfless person, Helen always places the welfare of others before her own. Despite personal health issues, Helen manages to maintain the energy to carry out her lifelong passion for improving the quality of life for others. 

Regarded by her associates as a legend, and already the recipient of numerous community awards, Helen justly deserves formal receipt of the VCC Legend Award. 

Beverley Hopkins

from Toukley Neighbourhood Centre

Bev loves her local community and has been involved in many volunteering positions at Toukley Neighbourhood Centre for over 15 years. Bev was instrumental in identifying the needs for disadvantaged and vulnerable in Toukley and the gaps in service, developing programs like ‘Showers and Laundry’ for local homeless people. 

Bev was instrumental in the development of two social enterprises that continue to support the Toukley community today, the TNC Op shop and the Lakes Food Care Program that provides an affordable place to shop for over 500 clients and families a week. Customers only pay handling fees for rescued food purchased from Foodbank NSW & ACT. The OP-Shop provides much needed fundraising funds which support other community programs available at Toukley Neighbourhood Centre. 

Bev's, love, energy, innovation and aspirations for this community and Toukley Neighbourhood Centre is an incredible contribution by one individual.