The Yass Valley is filled with individuals who donate much of their time to helping others in the community.

This was clear on Australia Day when the community service awards were announced.

Sue Kominek

Gundaroo Public School principal Sue Kominek received an award for more than 35-years’ service to the village’s young people.

“Ms K, as she is affectionately known by students has taught hundreds of Gundaroo children from kindergarten to year six, and has been a major influence in the lives of many young people in Gundaroo,” councillor Cecil Burgess said.

Ms Kominek was also relied on to help with many other community activities.

Diana and Tony MacQuillan

Yass couple Diana and Tony MacQuillan joined those awarded for their many hours of unpaid community work.

Apart from being an enthusiastic volunteer driver with the Yass Valley Home Living Support Service, Mr MacQuillan is actively involved with Cooma Cottage, the Yass Probus Club and the Yass Valley Aged Care Foundation.

“Over the last 13 years Tony has given freely of his time to progress the works of all four organisations,” Yass Valley mayor Rowena Abbey said.

“In his spare time Tony helps others to write and publish their life stories.”

Mrs MacQuillan volunteers many hours to support Yass Meals on Wheels and St Vincent De Paul, where she assesses recipients for financial help.

“Dianna also spends many hours volunteering for the Yass and District Historical Society,” Cr Abbey said.

David Horton

Cr Burgess also congratulated David Horton from Gundaroo for his large contribution to the small community.

Dr Horton has contributed, edited and arranged the printing of the Gundaroo Gazette for the past five years. Also a former Yass Tribune columnist, he is now retiring from his work on the community newsletter.

“[The gazette] plays a very real and important part in linking together the Gundaroo Community,” Cr Burgess said.

Tom Lock

Dorothy Lock, surrounded by family, accepted an Australia Day community award on behalf of her late husband, Tom.

Mr Lock, who passed away late last year, was an active member of the Yass Hospital Board and the Yass Music Club.

He was heavily involved in the Yass High School P&C, Yass Probus Club and was the treasurer of Yass Meals on Wheels for many years.

He voluntarily drove seniors that were part of the Yass Day Care program using the bus, and worked hard to improve access around town for everyone.

“Within Yass Valley Council, Tom freely contributed his time to work to improve pedestrian and traffic safety for all members of our community,” Cr Geoff Frost said on Saturday.

He was a genuine community man and had a particular passion for scouts.

“Tom’s love of Scouts is demonstrated through an enormous 31 years voluntary commitment to the scouting movement in Yass,” Cr Frost said.

Wilson.jpg

(Jan Wilson)

Yass community radio has benefited greatly from the volunteer work of Jan Wilson.

The current Yassfm president has occupied a number of roles on the Yassfm board, and was a key driver in the successful application of the station’s broadcasting licences.

“Jan’s work extends well beyond her role with Yassfm 100.3,” Cr Michael McManus said on Saturday.

“For some time Jan has been actively involved in University of the Third Age, organising weekly activities and guest speakers.”

She also gives her time with the Yass RSL sub-branch, with Yass Boorowa Legacy and through the Yass Evening VIEW Club.

“She is an active, enthusiastic volunteer worker whose volunteer work goes well beyond the norm,” Cr McManus said.

“She is an active, enthusiastic volunteer worker whose volunteer work goes well beyond the norm,” Cr McManus said.

“She is an active, enthusiastic volunteer worker whose volunteer work goes well beyond the norm,” Cr McManus said.

“She is an active, enthusiastic volunteer worker whose volunteer work goes well beyond the norm,” Cr McManus said.

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