Two Eden women were among the 11 Bega Valley Shire residents who were recognised for their community contribution during the Bega Valley Shire Council Community Service Medallion presentation last week.
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Marge Snijder and Eileen Cameron attended the ceremony at the Bega Country Club on Wednesday, September 30, with their medallions and citations given by Mayor Michael Britten.
Cr Britten said the medallion recognised the outstanding work of the many unsung volunteers across the Valley’s community.
“We have literally hundreds of people in our community who are prepared to give their time to ensure the welfare of others,” Cr Britten said. “Through the shire medallion, we have a way to acknowledge this work and to say thank you to those volunteers.”
Ms Snijder was nominated for the Community Service Medallion for her role in tourism including managing the Quarantine Beach Cottages for many years, and her tireless volunteer work including chairperson at the Eden Visitor Information Centre. Ms Snijder also served for Cruise Eden and on the Eden Chamber of Commerce and was a key lobbyist for the wharf extension projects, was a principal fundraiser for the Sapphire Water Dragons Club and a committee member for the Eden Whale Festival for over 12 years.
“The nomination came as a complete surprise, and I felt very humbled,” Ms Snijder said. “When you volunteer you don’t expect accolades and awards, you just do it because you love it. Throughout my 20 years in Eden I’ve met so many lovely people throughout the shire. I wouldn’t have done that if I hadn’t volunteered.”
Ms Snijder thanked Shannon Woloshyn, the manager of the Eden Visitor Centre, and Gail Ward, Cruise Eden, for nominating her, and also the Bega Valley Shire Council and their committee for their recognition of her work.
Fellow Eden resident, Eileen Cameron, received her nomination for her tireless work in the Eden community, especially in her role volunteering for the St Vincent de Paul Society providing support and services to the homeless.
Ms Cameron is well known in Eden for her passion working with youth, educating particularly young women about healthy relationships. She was also a member of the Social Justice Advocacy Group and volunteer for many years at the Eden Killer Whale Museum.
Other medallion recipients from the Bega Valley include Ian Battersby, Alan Simpson, Edward McKeown, Robert Graham, Brian Richards, Jan Ireland, Val Little, Allen Collins, Judi Hearn and Gae Rheinberger.