Banks Award

I was very honoured to be nominated for the Banks Volunteer of the Year Award by the Oatley 101 Society of Artists. The nomination acknowledged my contribution as committee member and President, to the development and profile raising of visual arts across the community.
It was a thrill to have the award presented by David Coleman MP, Member for Banks and the Honourable Julie Bishop MP, Foreign Minister.
I have been very blessed to have the support of a dynamic committee who work so very well together to ensure the best programs are implemented for the benefit of members and the community in general. In the last 5 years we have grown as a society and in that growth funds raised have been donated and made an impact on a range of art therapy programs in the community. Working with Response for Life and Sutherland Rotary 8 defibrillators have been presented to local community groups. Funds raised through our exhibition with Ardency have gone to such causes as Youth off the Streets art education programs, the Benevolent Society Art Therapy Programs, Sunnyhaven Disability Centre Art Therapy Program and this year we are working with the Autism Community Network to develop Art Therapy programs for the carers. Growth in membership and attendance at art activities have grown significantly in that time.
It has been a wonderful experience for me and I am grateful for the opportunity to support such amazing programs. The society has made very important contributions to the health of our community.