It’s all about a snag for Xavier Dodgshun, 4, of Wangaratta. Picture: JOHN RUSSELL
WANGARATTA’S Achiever of the Year reckons his work helping teenagers obtain P-plates through the L2P program can be scary.
But Peter Headland, who has been a volunteer most of his life, wouldn’t trade it for anything.
“I’m fortunate to do these things,” he said.
The retired careers adviser found work experience for about 3000 students during his career.
He said he was honoured to receive the city’s first local achiever award.
Margaret Pullen, who is known for launching community projects, was named Citizen of the Year.
Her passion for the environment led her to form a Keep Australia Beautiful group about 15 years ago after an official of the organisation said Wangaratta was not a place to visit.
That made her angry and inspired her to form the city’s community pride committee.
She has been chairwoman since 2000.
She also helped establish the Adopt a Highway program.
The former secondary school teacher’s countless volunteer roles have also included organising Freeza concerts, youth parliament and summer in the park concerts.
Amanda Roberts, 17, was named Young Citizen for her leadership skills.
The year 12 student is on the Freeza committee, Creative Youth, which organises drug, smoke and alcohol-free events.
“Volunteering has helped me appreciate what we have and how lucky we are to live in such a wonderful community,” she said.
Mayor Rozi Parisotto was happy expected rain did not arrive.
“We have been lucky today, the sun is shining and we couldn’t have asked for a better day.”
She said the day was about understanding and celebrating how lucky we were.
