For more than 30 years, John Biggs has helped keep Healthy Harold and the Life Education van in the region.
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Now this quiet contributor has been recognised for his outstanding efforts, named the Central West region’s Senior Volunteer of the Year.
Mr Biggs’ honour was announced at the 10th annual Volunteer of the Year Awards in Bathurst.
Mr Biggs is a volunteer driver for the organisation, moving the Mobile Learning Centre around the schools.
“Without John all of the schools in the Forbes region would not be able to have the Life Education program delivered,” John’s nomination said.
“John has been of service for more than 30 years and is likely to be one of the longest-serving volunteers of Life Education NSW.
“He is consistent, dedicated, committed and always willing to help. He has done so much to engage local communities including teachings and local businesses.
“He is a tireless advocate and is always seeking out ways to support us and find new opportunities that benefit Life Education NSW.”
The overall award went to Michael Truloff of Millthorpe who received both the overall 2016 Central West Volunteer of the Year Award and the Adult Volunteer of the Year Award for his work with The Redmond Oval Sub Committee and the Millthorpe Junior Cricket Club.
Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Volunteering, Gemma Rygate, said volunteers improve people’s lives by helping out, keeping people connected and creating a sense of belonging in communities.
They received a record 7500 nominations – covering more than 100,000 volunteers - for this year’s awards.
The Life Education Van is a mobile classroom that allows children to explore creative and collaborative learning in a space that is entirely different from a traditional classroom.
Specially trained educators present vital health and safety messaging through tactile and multisensory activities.
Joined by Life Education’s loveable mascot Healthy Harold, educators bring to life lessons that empower children to make safer and healthier choices, now and in the future.
Go online to www.lifeeducation.org.au/ to find out more or make a donation to support their work.
Mr Biggs said he was one of a number of locals on a committee that raised funds to purchase a van for the western region in 1986 and has stayed involved.
“It’s gone on from there,” he said. “I just thought it was a very good thing to have – we had young children at the time, although in the end our youngest daughter missed out by one year.”
Mr Biggs hoped the award would remind people of Life Education’s work.
