Chippendale woman awarded for community work

The federal government has acknowledged a Chippendale resident’s volunteer community work by presenting her with a national award.

Alice Anderson, 21, was presented with a National Volunteer Award for her role as a Leader of Glebe Junior Girl Guides by Tanya Plibersek MP on Monday, December 5 at the Alexandria Town Hall.

Her responsibilities within the organisation involved running meetings, planning programs, handling finances and administration.

Ms Anderson has also volunteered at the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, City2Surf and the Rover Scouts. The dedicated volunteer said she was grateful for the award and that it was nice for her work to be recognised.

“Volunteering as a Girl Guide Leader is very rewarding. I enjoy organising events such as district camps and day trips,” she said.

“The best thing about Girl Guides is the life-long friendships I have made. Girl Guides provides opportunities to meet like-minded women with similar values.”

She was also praised for her efforts in the re-opening of Girl Guides in Drummoyne. She said she found it interesting to work with different people.

A spokesperson for Girl Guides NSW-ACT said: “[Ms Anderson] was instrumental in its success and we had a good response from the community.”

“She’s becoming a really good role model for the next generation of Girl Guides…she’s a great mentor for the girls,” she said.

Ms Anderson’s mother and grandmother were also members of Girl Guides in the UK and have continued to support her since she first started as a Guide at age 13.

“I wear my grandmother’s badges and they visit my meetings occasionally…it’s a sentimental thing,” Ms Anderson said.

At the state level, The Centre for Volunteering awarded Broadway resident, Loki Ball, as the 2011 Sydney City East Youth Volunteer of the Year.

He was acknowledged for his work within the community, particularly within youth and education organisations.

His achievements include being the Founding Director of Sydney Youth, Group Manager (Legal Services) of Sydney Homeless, Equity Director of the UTS Law Students’ Society, Director of the UTS Advocacy and Human Rights Committee, Volunteer with the City of Sydney Council Homlessness Unit and a Paralegal with Redfern Legal Centre.

On average, Mr Ball volunteers between 38 and 42 hours per week while studying part-time.

By Leanne Elahmad