Shining the light on the Nambucca Valley’s volunteers Nambucca Valley Nambucca Valley News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - May 28, 2021 A recent donation to the renal service at Nambucca: Nurse Unit Manager Sam O’Neill with the $26,000 ultrasound donated by the BowraMacksville UHA, represented by (front) President Isabelle Hooper, Heather Edwards and Regional Representative Dee Hunter. DO YOU know a selfless soul who gives tirelessly to others? Have you been rescued, your possessions been saved or helped by a local volunteer organisation? With a recent past of natural disasters sweeping through whole communities, to the little details that can warm the heart of a lonely person’s day, the Nambucca Valley has many courageous and caring volunteers amongst its population. Now’s the time to shine the light on your star volunteers as nominations open for the 2021 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. Nominations are now open across eight categories: Adult Volunteer of the Year Young Volunteer of the Year Senior Volunteer of the Year Volunteer Team of the Year Corporate Volunteer of the Year (Individual) Corporate Volunteer of the Year (Team) Club Volunteer of the Year Excellence in Volunteer Management This 15th year of the awards sees an additional category of NSW Club Volunteer of the Year. Nominations are open until Friday 9 July 2021 at www.volunteering.com.au/volunteer-awards Sharon Fuller from Mid North Coast Local Health District told News Of The Area, “Volunteers are the lifeblood of a community and in the Nambucca Valley we have seen some brave and selfless volunteering efforts in the past year. “The natural disasters that have impacted so heavily on our region have brought out the best in our emergency services and community organisations. “Their efforts have been supported by an army of volunteers who turn up day in and day out to lend a hand. “In the health setting, our volunteers dedicate countless hours to support their local hospitals, and those efforts are greatly appreciated, not only by our staff, but our patients and their families.” In this edition, News Of The Area chatted with local Macksville volunteer Dee Hunter who has run the café and hospital/ward trolley in her role with the United Hospital Auxiliaries which raises thousands of dollars to purchase medical equipment and patient comfort items. By Andrea FERRARI