Volunteer of the year announced

Media Release 3 December 2021

The City of South Perth Volunteer of the Year Awards were presented at the annual Thank You Celebration at South Perth Foreshore on Thursday evening 2 December. The awards recognise the valuable contribution of volunteers, with 51 community members nominated this year across three categories: Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year and Junior Volunteer of the Year.        

Local resident and longstanding volunteer Linda Deutsch has been named Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her many years of commitment to the City of South Perth community, including as chairperson of Manning Community Association.

A role model for local young people, James Loughnan is the deserving recipient of the City’s Youth Volunteer of the Year award for 2021. James has volunteered more than 700 hours to help run camps for disadvantaged children through Edmund Rice Camps for Kids. 

At just 17 years of age, Kurtis Tanna is already a well recognised volunteer and advocate for his peers, earning him the title of Junior Volunteer of the Year. Kurtis has volunteered with the Sea Shepherd and Leeuwin Sailing Ship Programs, Edmund Rice Camps for Kids, and the Disabled Surfers Association.

The City’s Thank You Celebration is held each year as a token of gratitude for the many hours contributed by volunteers and to recognise stakeholders who have partnered with the City on important projects throughout the year. 

Mayor Greg Milner was proud to present the awards and acknowledge the hard work of volunteers.

“Volunteers are the heart and soul of the City of South Perth community. Many of the events and services we value most would not be possible without the commitment of volunteers and their contribution cannot be overstated.  

“Volunteers play a vital role in building a community that is strong and resilient, and the value that volunteers add to our community is enormous. According to Volunteering WA, the economic, social and cultural value of volunteering to Western Australians is over $39 billion. 

“The City of South Perth Volunteer of the Year Awards event is one small way that we can acknowledge and celebrate the tremendous contribution volunteers make for our community. I would also like to thank the organisations and individuals who have partnered with the City this year on projects that have helped achieve our vision of active places and beautiful spaces.”

Nominations for the Volunteer of the Year Awards open around August each year. Anyone can nominate and the awards are open to individuals who live or volunteer in the City of South Perth.

 

2021 Volunteer of the Year Award recipients

Volunteer of the Year Award (open to individuals over 25 years) 

Linda Deutsch

Linda is extremely committed to all the volunteering roles she undertakes. Linda has been involved with parents and citizens at local primary and secondary schools for 22 years, she is currently the Chairperson of the Manning Community Association. Linda also serves as a Community Representative on the City of South Perth Community Safety & Crime Prevention Group and the First Nation’s Reference Group. Linda also finds time to produce on Curtin’s 100.1 FM Radio for the past 12 years. She acts as a voluntary guide at Rottnest Island and Kings Park and is involved in many other projects.

 

Youth Volunteer of the Year Award (18-25 years) 

James Loughnan

James has volunteered for Edmund Rice Camps for Kids since 2016, being involved in over 20 camps, dedicating 700 hours to their programs. He is a true role model for both the kids and leaders and his commitment is shown through his dedication in being a support to the children, as well as a source of incredible fun. James has coordinated 9 camps which involves a lot of time and effort, he has attended programs in the South West and Pilbara, aimed at engaging children in regional areas of WA. James is also an active member of the Volunteer Leader Committee highlighting his dedication to volunteering.

 

Junior Volunteer of the Year (under 18 years)

Kurtis Tanna

Kurtis has been involved in Capes for kids for over 3 years, reaching a milestone of volunteering for 50 camps. He has also participated in the Sea Shepherd and Leeuwin Sailing Ship Programs, Edmund Rice Camps for Kids, and the Disabled Surfers Association, as well as being a leader within his school as a Peer Support Leader. Kurtis is an ambassador for youth mental health and was selected to attend a leadership camp with local organisation zero2hero. He is a fantastic advocate for volunteering amongst young pepole and encourages his peers to get involved.

Pictured from left: Volunteer of the Year Awards 2021 winners Linda Deutsch, Kurtis Tanna and James Loughnan.