A TIRELESS volunteer has been named the winner of the 2017 Logan Senior Ambassador Award ahead of Queensland Seniors Week.
Val Gebbett, who has been attending JC Family Church at Jimboomba for over 30 years, was acknowledged for her volunteer work and for helping to make Logan a thriving and diverse city.
Ms Gebbett said the recognition came as a surprise.
“It just means that all you do, somebody notices,” she said.
“Volunteering is one of those things that it’s just your nature and you just do it.
“When you’re open, people know that they can come to you and it doesn’t matter what their problems are.”
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Outstanding contribution
Ms Gebbett’s volunteer work includes leading the Friday Friends Women’s Support Group at Caddies Community Centre, providing support to people with depression via the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Crisis Care line, and running food parcels out of her own pocket.
Ms Gebbett also helps organise Jimboomba’s Christmas Festival and annual arts and crafts day, as well as driving people to hospital, where she waits with them if necessary.
City of Logan mayor Luke Smith said Ms Gebbett embodies the theme of this year’s Logan Loves Seniors Day – ‘Inspiring, not retiring’.
“Ms Gebbett makes an outstanding contribution to the community through her selfless work to help those in need,” he said.
“The City of Logan is proud and honoured to have Ms Gebbett as our 2017 Senior Ambassador.”
City Lifestyle and Customer Services Committee chairperson councillor Steve Swenson presented the award to Ms Gebbett during a ceremony at Council’s Logan Loves Seniors Day gala event at Logan Entertainment Centre on August 17.
“Ms Gebbett is well known in the community and is an inspiration to those around her,” he said.
This year’s Logan Loves Seniors Day included an expo featuring workshops and free activities such as tai chi, Zumba Gold and free massages.
The Beehives performed two ‘Bringing Back the Sixties’ shows as part of the gala event, which had versatile entertainer Ian Maurice as the MC.
Queensland Seniors Week runs from August 19 to 27. Go to qldseniorsweek.org.au/ for more information and events.