In a heartwarming ceremony held on Bundjalung Country, Amanda Peters was named the 2023 Northern Rivers Volunteer of the Year at the prestigious NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. Amanda's incredible dedication as a Fletcher Street Cottage volunteer earned her this recognition, making her a shining example of selflessness and service in her community.
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, known as one of the largest volunteer recognition programs in the state, celebrated Amanda's achievements alongside other category winners, Justine Foldi, John James Maloney and The Pink Ladies – Tweed Heads.
Amanda Peters has been at the forefront of community service, managing the work of 40 dedicated volunteers at the breakfast service at Fletcher Street Cottage for over 18 months. Our mission is to provide meals, emergency relief, showers and laundry services to those in need. Amanda's extraordinary care goes above and beyond, significantly improving the dignity, wellbeing and sense of belonging of the vulnerable people she serves.
Her exceptional contributions were acknowledged with two prestigious awards at the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards: Northern Rivers Volunteer of The Year and Senior Volunteer of The Year. These accolades are a testament to Amanda's unwavering commitment to her community and her positive impact on the lives of those she serves.
Amanda Peters expressed her gratitude, saying:
The heartwarming support from the community keeps me motivated. Volunteering is a way to give back and be a part of something greater than oneself.
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards serves as an annual reminder of the invaluable work performed by volunteers across New South Wales. Amanda's remarkable dedication has set a high standard for community service and inspires others to get involved in meaningful volunteer work.
Amanda's involvement extends beyond her work at Fletcher Street Cottage, where she tirelessly volunteers in the kitchen and runs errands, all driven by her profound affection for her community. Her dedication and positive impact are evident in the lives of the service users at Fletcher Street Cottage, where she is deeply admired and respected.
The Byron Community Centre Volunteer program, where Amanda Peters serves, boasts a dedicated team of over 180 volunteers who contribute to various aspects of the community centre, including the Byron Theatre, Byron Markets, Fletcher Street Cottage and marketing and PR. These volunteers have the opportunity to utilise their existing skills or acquire new ones while strengthening the Byron Community.
For those inspired by Amanda's story and eager to make a difference through community service, the Byron Community Centre provides an opportunity to get involved. Find out more Volunteer | Byron Community Centre (byroncentre.com.au).