Munda Biddi volunteers on a trail of recognition
It was helping to preserve Western Australia’s 1000 kilometre Munda Biddi Trail as a world-class off-road cycling experience for generations to come that inspired the volunteer in Dianella man Ron Colman.
15 December 2011
As
Chairperson of the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation (MBTF) since 2007, Ron leads a
team of volunteers recently recognised at an International Volunteer Day garden
party at Government House on Sunday 4 December.
The group was subsequently honoured at the Department of Sport and Recreation’s (DSR’s) Sport and Recreation Volunteers Recognition Breakfast on Monday 5 December.
Part of the department’s Community Volunteer Project and year-long celebrations of the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10), the breakfast provided some well deserved recognition for about 90 volunteers from across WA.
Other MBTF volunteers honoured were Jenny Nichol, Murray Wynne, Drew Herrington, Stewart Nicolson, Sarah Holland and Crystal Reed. They are among the foundation’s 120 volunteers who generously give of their time and expertise to ensure the trail’s success and to get people active in the outdoors.
The volunteers fill roles that include taking groups out on the trail as a ride guide; assisting with trail maintenance and construction; and helping in the office and at events.
Recent praise indicates the team is on the right track; it recently won the Excellence in Volunteer Support award at DSR’s Sport and Recreation Industry Awards.
“While each volunteer’s story is unique, they all have something in common – the contribution they have made to the foundation is invaluable,” said MBTF Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Holland. “Ron’s own commitment to the foundation as a long-term volunteer comes despite juggling a family and demanding job.”
“The slogan of the International Year of Volunteers +10 is ‘Inspiring the Volunteer in You’ and for our department, this is a about celebrating those people who inspire us by giving up their time to make sport and recreation happen in their community,” said Department of Sport and Recreation Director General Ron Alexander.
“There are many reasons why people make the selfless decision to become a volunteer, including parents wanting to set an example and make a positive contribution to their own children’s lives.
“It’s so important that volunteers are given the recognition they deserve because at the end of the day, sport wouldn’t happen without them and communities would suffer without their contributions.”
If you are interested in joining the Munda Biddi team, visit the volunteer page at www.mundabiddi.org.au or contact MBTF Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Holland on (08) 9481 2483 or admin@mundabiddi.org.au.
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