All nominees deserve recognition

ON THURSDAY May 30, I went as the guest of a Community Service Volunteer to celebrate at the Bass Coast Community Service Awards presentation night.

It was dark and raining along the road to Cowes and the bad-tempered commuter traffic prompted, in me, the thought that it was warm and comfortable at home.

We sat in a quarter full and rather cheerless auditorium at Berninneit.

The Bass Coast CEO, Greg Box; Mayor Clare Le Serve; and Councillor Brett Tessari welcomed us and proceeded with their program.

On the big screen the first community group names were projected. One was highlighted as the ‘category winner’.

At that moment I became aware that I was attending a “knockout competition”. 

A feeling of shame and dismay swept over me.

I wholeheartedly congratulate the “winners” for their community service, but I also feel embarrassed for those who were, in my mind, so callously rejected.

I had no indication during the nomination process, that there would be ‘winners’ and the rest would not get full public recognition.

Nominees were asked individually to stand, while one of our civic leaders read from their nomination sheet. 

I acknowledge that applause was forthcoming, but there were only four certificates/awards presented. 

At very least, they should all have received a certificate of appreciation from the Shire, and have their names shared with the ratepayer public.

I have written to the mayor and councillor to express my dismay over the process of this event. It was not advertised as a ‘volunteer of the year’ competition.

A concerned citizen