The founder of a project that delivers the warmth of a homebaked meal and invaluable company to the lonely has taken out top honours at the 2014 Chifley Volunteer Awards.
Debbie Hassan was recognised as the 2014 Chifley Outstanding Volunteer at a packed award ceremony held at the Mt Druitt Hub this evening.
Debra established the Come Dine With Me project, which organises a homecooked meal and just importantly, company, for those who need it most.
The Awards were judged by well known local identities, Tallawong Park Little Athletics President Brad Bunting and Plumpton Rural Fire Service Volunteer Trevor Haskins.
Our community simply couldnt operate as it does without their many thousands of hours of selfless volunteer work, Mr Husic said.
Today is our small way of saying thanks to people like Debbie and the other award winners, he said.
Joan Piliae has been named Young Chifley Volunteer of the Year. Joan is an incredible mentor to youth through the Street University.
Winners of the Judges Recommendation Awards were Rosemary Smith and Stephen Bradbury.
Rosemary has devoted more than a decade to campaigns involving the fight against cancer, including the Cancer Council NSW, while Stephen has served the Minchinbury Jets Soccer Club for more than 12 years as a player, Committee Member, Coach, Manager and Secretary.
Ed Husics MP Recognition Award has been jointly won by Naty (Natividad) Millarez, Dr Abdul Haq and Wendie Lambert.
Naty Natividad is a founding volunteer with the Blacktown City libraries as an English Conversation Class Tutor, an inspirational instructor who had to regain her ability to speak after suffering a stroke several years ago.
Hassall Grove resident Dr Haq from Bangladesh Forum for Community Engagement has been working tirelessly for the community and medical and humanitarian causes overseas over the last 20 years.
Wendie Lambert and a team of hardworking volunteers spearhead Blacktowns Computer Pals, which delivers IT training to older recipients grappling with life in a digital age.