Tuesday, 2 December 2025

 David SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) (13:44): Last week we celebrated our Caulfield Volunteer Awards. Forty-two volunteers were recognised across six different categories: community, food relief, sport, health and welfare, spiritual engagement and education. I want to particularly thank the Caulfield Park Community Bank branch of Bendigo Bank for their great support and partnership – Jeff Kagan, the chair; Leah Bolton, board member and my partner in crime in running these awards for a number of years; and Naava Eckstein of the community engagement team – for awarding $13,000 from the bank to our volunteers.

A big shout-out to our winners: Thursday Girls Group Incorporated, Jodi Webb; Council for Christians and Jews, Alex Kats; Mazon Australia, Joanne Lowy-Irons; Maccabi Victoria, Gary Lasky; Mecwacare Jubilee House, Maryanne Petzel; B’nai B’rith Courage to Care, Harry Carmean; Parents and Friends of Caulfield Park Primary School, Yayoi Yamamoto and Maya Bartlett; Young Jewish Professionals, Brian Berger; and Chevra Hatzolah Melbourne, Yumi Friedman. These are great volunteers doing an amazing job for our community. Thank you for what you all do.