Capel says “Thank You”

Two outstanding members of the community were recognised at Capel Shire Council’s annual Thank A Volunteer Breakfast last week.

More than 90 community members attended the event to honour valuable members of the community who played key roles in a variety of groups.

Capel shire community development officer Donna Sims said the event was important because appreciation was a fundamental human need.

“The Capel Shire Council believes it is important to recognise the value volunteers add to the health and wellbeing of our communities,” she said.

Samantha Russell won the council’s 2016 Act, Belong, Commit Award for being an accredited junior and senior hockey umpire and for saving a mother and child from a rip at Dalyellup Beach in July last year, using her Bronze Medallion training.

Ms Russell spoke at the event about her leadership in the Newton Moore Senior High School music program and her contributions to the Group Parkinsong, which encourages people with Parkinson’s condition to sing.

Cheyanne Fazioli won the council’s 2016 Young Citizen of the Year Award for her netball responsibilities.

Ms Fazioli said she was initially hesitant as a 14 year-old to take on the duties as a netball coach, but had since completed studies in the sporting field.

She completed the Foundations of Coaching Course and the Development Coaches’ Course, which enabled her to be a Level One umpire and coach of the Boyanup Junior Netball Club.

In her speech Cheyanne encouraged other young people to take on similar challenges and volunteer for things they were passionate about.