Kev Wilson enjoys meeting different people in his role as conductor of the Big Rig Train in Roma, Queensland, and Margaret Edwards sees time spent as a guide at the Information Centre as her contribution to community life.
Between them, the pair has been volunteering for
17 years – a total that climbs past 30 years when taking into account the contribution of fellow Big Rig volunteers Alan Faulkner and Ruth Cole.
All four Roma residents will be formally recognised for their contribution to regional tourism as part of a new volunteer policy introduced by Maranoa Regional Council in February.
“I’ve been tied up with volunteering in this community for many years, and have been at the Big Rig on a weekly basis since the time it was run by the Tourism Association and we used to serve visitors tea and scones,” Margaret Edwards said.
“I really enjoy it, particularly being helpful and being part of a welcoming outlook to town.”
Maranoa Regional Council CEO Stuart Randle said the new policy allows Council to officially recognise the contribution made by volunteers like Margaret.
“This policy acknowledges and supports those people who consistently give their time to keep many Council services running, particularly in the areas of tourism, sport and recreation, aged and community care,” he said.
“They are largely unsung heroes who play a very valuable role in making Maranoa’s communities diverse and vibrant, and we’d just like to say thankyou.”
Council will present a certificate of appreciation to volunteers upon completion of one, five and ten years of service.
A bronze plaque will be used to mark 15 years of service, a silver plaque for 20 years, and a gold plaque for 25 years.
Council staff can also nominate volunteers who have made an extraordinary contribution to the community for additional recognition.
As well as recognising volunteer service, the policy formalises Council’s process for recruiting volunteers and outlines the training required to work safely within specific fields.
It will also assist officers to meet statutory obligations in areas like workplace health and safety, child protection and working with the elderly.
Under the new policy, Council volunteers will be asked to fill in an application form and take part in a one off safety oriented induction.
