The recent CLRS annual general meeting recognised staff, sponsors and retiring board members. Pictured are staff members who received awards for their years of service.
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Community Living and Respite Services recently recognised years of service, sponsorship and retiring board members at its annual general meeting.
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Years-of-service awards were presented to 19 staff members, who have garnered an impressive 160 years of combined experience at the organisation.
Eight staff members received awards for five years of service, which CLRS chief executive Leah Taaffe said was an achievement given they started amid the challenging COVID-19 pandemic years.
A further seven were celebrated for marking a decade at the organisation, a milestone Ms Taaffe was glad to be part of.
“For the seven staff who received 10 years of service, it’s lovely to be a part of their journey and watch each of them develop in their respective roles,” she said.
“Many ... have grown up in the organisation, had families and now have well established careers.”
Harald Nikas, Karen Upton and Debra Kuyer were honoured for 15 years of service, with Ms Taaffe heaping praise on each.
Sponsor awards were introduced at the meeting under a new tradition, with long-standing partners presented with certificates for their enduring support.
Riverine Herald advertising co-ordinator Melissa Thomas, CLRS board president Dr Claire Goodman, and Murray River Council chief executive Stacy Williams.
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Cosgriff Lawyers and Murray River Council were acknowledged for 10 years of support, while the Riv was recognised for 15 years of patronage.
Each organisation’s sponsorship for the Run Echuca Moama event, fundraising dinners and raffles was celebrated.
“These sponsors have stood beside CLRS through growth, change and challenge,” Ms Taaffe said.
“They reflect shared values, deep trust and a mutual commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive community.”
The contributions of retiring board members Wayne Jenkin and Erin Langman were acknowledged after both reached nine years of service, the maximum length allowed by the CLRS constitution.
Wayne Jenkin, CLRS board president Dr Claire Goodman and Erin Langman.
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Each former member joined the board in 2016, with Mr Jenkin serving as vice president from 2017 to 2020 and president from 2020 to 2024.
“Wayne’s legacy is one of integrity, leadership and unwavering commitment to our mission,” Ms Taaffe said.
“CLRS thank him sincerely for his years of service, and wish him all the very best in his retirement from the board.”
Ms Langman was labelled a “cornerstone of CLRS financial stewardship”, and served as treasurer until last year.
Her monetary management and steady oversight were hailed as instrumental in strengthening the organisation.
“Erin’s thoughtful contributions, collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication have made a lasting impact,” Ms Taaffe said.
“The CLRS board thank her wholeheartedly for her years of service, and wish her all the very best as she steps down from the board.”
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