And the winners are ...

Cr Neele said the awards were a great opportunity to formally identify and acknowledge the great work volunteers do for the community.

‘‘Campaspe is very fortunate to have so many committed volunteers who give up their time for the benefit of the entire community,’’ she said.

Each year awards are presented in three categories; individual, young person and organisation. This year’s winner of the individual award was Pauline Aitken of Echuca. The Lockington Youth Action Group received the young person award, and the organisation award was presented to Riding Develops Abilities (RDA) Echuca.

With the support from her husband, Pauline Aitken opened a relief centre in her own home more than 10 years ago. While initially in response to the effects of financial hardship in the farming community, today it remains open for anyone in need of food, supplies and a simple chat.

Pauline welcomes visitors with kindness and respect and takes a genuine interest in their wellbeing and at times, Pauline has provided a bed for the night.

The centre sees more than 250 visitors each week from farming communities, unemployed, broken families, single people, drug addicts and those suffering from gambling addictions.

Pauling spends about 50 hours a week organising deliveries, unpacking and storing supplies and meeting and greeting visitors.

‘‘She does do a lot of work and she helps many, many people. We also have a wonderful lot of people that help us do this and I think everyone in this room today deserves an award for the work they do,’’ Pauline’s husband Jim said.

In the youth category, the Lockington Youth Action Group (LYAG), consisting of 18 secondary school students, works to encourage and engage the youth of Lockington.

The group is in its second year of co-ordinating the Lockington Scarecrow Festival which engages businesses, schools, families, sporting and community groups.

They also volunteer at local CFA dinners waiting tables and cleaning and support the Lions Club with presentations and flag raising ceremonies on Australia Day.

There are many other community activities the group is approached to support and they are always eager to be involved.

Riding Develops Abilities (RDA) Echuca took out the top spot in the organisation category, recognising the not-for-profit organisation that enables people with a variety of disabilities, ages and backgrounds to develop independence, a sense of freedom and to reach their equestrian goals.

Part of the Victoria branch, RDA Echuca has been operating in the local community for more than 20 years.

It provides enjoyable yet challenging equestrian activities for people aged 3-85 with physical and intellectual disabilities, with a riding rally every three weeks.

‘‘On behalf of the whole of our municipality, I’d like to congratulate and thank all individuals and groups who were nominated for their selfless work and outstanding contributions. They are indeed the heart and soul of our community,’’ Cr Neele said.