The youth empowerment group won the organisation category at the 2021 Campaspe Shire Volunteer Awards ceremony last week.
Kyabram Blue Light president Mitchell Bull said it was a great feeling for the group to become recipients.
“The recognition that goes with it being selected from throughout the shire — it shows the hard work and the hard yards we've put in hasn't gone unnoticed,” he said.
“As a committee we were surprised to win the award considering all of the worthy groups around the shire that have been working hard during COVID to keep that volunteerism up.
“We found ways to keep young people engaged even during isolation lockdown and expanding the programs to reach the wider community as a whole.”
Kyabram Blue Light's citation read as followed:
“The dedication and desire to make a positive difference has seen Kyabram Blue Light continue to provide opportunities for young people to get together and engage with each other, despite the COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns of the last year.
“Weekly gym challenges and awards helped keep young people and their families healthy and active.
“And a recent three-day leadership camp attended by 60 young people from across the shire, provided a wonderful opportunity for young people to catch up with friends and engage with local police officers and teachers in a fun, active and informal environment.
“The diverse knowledge and skillset of the large contingent of volunteers on Kyabram Blue Light allows for a broad range of activities and events to be organised for young people, including camps, day trips, the weekly gym program, blue light discos, pool parties and more.
“These initiatives have also brought together volunteers from other community organisations such as the SES, CFA, Rotary and Lions, to engage and collaborate for the benefit of Campaspe’s youth.”
Other award recipients on the day were Thomas Murphy winning the individual category and the Lockington Youth Action Group winning the young person category.
“Volunteers make our communities stronger, especially during times of need, crisis or isolation. And the vital role volunteers play in our community has never been more apparent than in the past year as we have all grappled with the myriad impacts of the global pandemic,” Mayor Chrissy Weller said.
“While many of us stayed at home, hundreds of volunteers across the shire continued to deliver essential services, provide care and support to those in need, and create opportunities for people to connect and stay engaged with their community.
“This says so much about the spirit of volunteerism in Campaspe and the selfless character of our people. On behalf of council and the wider Campaspe community, I thank all the volunteers across the shire for their extraordinary efforts in giving of their time to help others during these challenging times.”
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