A Laverton community worker who gave up a paid position because of health issues yet continued in the role as a volunteer is one of the people celebrated by the latest Lalor Heroes Awards.
The volunteers from across the federal electorate of Lalor were honoured by Lalor MP Joanne Ryan at an awards night last week.
The awards, in their third year, were presented to more than 20 sport and community volunteers.
Ms Ryan went off script and got emotional when presenting an award to Laverton’s Wen Jiang.
“I have so much admiration for this person,” Ms Ryan said. “Wen used to be a paid person at the Laverton Community Centre, but when she fell ill with rheumatoid arthritis, she felt she was no longer reliable.
“She resigned from her paid position, and now volunteers … yes, she gave up a paid position to do the same job as a volunteer.”
Ms Ryan said Ms Jiang was an inspiration.
Among the recipients were members of the Rotary Club of Little River, the Wyndham Community and Education Centre, Club 60 Tarneit and Point Cook Monkey Girl Guides and more.
“Volunteers are the backbone of our diverse and vibrant community and are celebrated in many forms across any given year,” Ms Ryan said. “As a proud netballer and former principal, I know that without dedicated volunteers, our communities would grind to a halt.”
She said the awards night was her way of recognising local volunteers and expressing her gratitude for their efforts.
