Celebrating community superstars in Malvern

The community spirit was high at the Malvern Community Board Service Awards on Monday night.

The awards, held in West Melton, saw 14 nominees recognised for their outstanding voluntary efforts.

Among the recipients was long-serving community member, Stuart Begg. A volunteer with the Kirwee Volunteer Fire Brigade since 1995, Stu also wears many other hats in the Kirwee community, including involvements with the Kirwee Tennis Club, the A&P Association, Kirwee Hall Committee and Kirwee Community Association and mowing the church grounds on the corner of Hoskyns Road and Courtenay Road.

Also, in the mix was third-generation Sheffield farmer, Fred Bull who spent his early days in the Young Farmers Club and volunteered with the Sheffield Fire Brigade. The Malvern Lions recently presented Fred with 50 years of service, a first for a member of the Malvern Club.

Rosanne Croft was acknowledged for her community involvement in coaching and umpiring netball, Citizen's Advice Bureau, support for Age Concern and involvement with Probus and Kirwee Bowling Club.

Tony Blaber and Pru and Ken Bowmen received their awards for advocating for traffic safety and speed reduction in the West Melton area and Tracy Mangels for her efforts with the West Melton Netball Club.

Tim and Vida Schurr were recognised for being an intergral part of the West Melton community through their tireless efforts and work being chair and secretary of the West Melton Residents Association.

David Stott received his award as a long-serving volunteer for over 49 years of involvement with the Kirwee Players, only missing one performance due to Covid. He was also recognised for his involvement with the Kirwee Tennis Club, Probus, Kirwee Community Association, Kirwee Bowling Club and his role groundskeeping at the Kirwee Reserve.

David and Judith Topp were acknowledged for their efforts that have benefitted the Springfield community for many years, including being caretakers for the Kowhai Pass Domain and Campground, organising events and being senior members of the Springfield Residents Association.

Erin Van Der Zwet-Brodie was recognised for advocating for the Malvern community, volunteering as a driver for the Malvern community vehicle trust, being involved with the Darfield Residents Association and the Malvern Writers Group.