Collie’s David Allum was one of 53 long-serving volunteers from around the state to be recognised at the Department of Communities’ Volunteer Service Awards on International Volunteer Day this month.
The award acknowledged Mr Allum’s 38-year commitment to community service as a Justice of the Peace, first in Perth and then Collie.
Mr Allum said he had originally joined the Justices of the Peace after being recommended for the position and had thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
He said he spent the first nine years on the bench at the South Perth lock-up before he moved to Collie and continued his work as a JP by witnessing documents and signing search warrants.
In addition to his volunteer work as a JP, he also volunteered for a number of other organisations and community groups including the Sir James Mitchell cerebral palsy centre, WorldVision, the Collie Lions Club and the Collie Veteran Car Club, as well as serving eight years on the board of Riverview.
Mr Allum said he had enjoyed his volunteer work and the satisfaction it gave him for contributing to the community.
“I inherited a desire to serve the community and I was really well supported by my wife,” he said.
“I didn’t do it to get anything out of it, but I just did it because communities would fall apart with there weren’t any volunteers.
“I really think more people should look at volunteering, because it is a really rewarding experience.”
Mr Allum said he wasn’t able to attend the award ceremony in Perth because of other commitments, but said he was ‘pleased to receive the award’.
Collie-Preston MLA and Volunteering Minister Mick Murray said he was glad to see Mr Allum recognised for his commitment to the community.
“Dave’s 38 years of dedication as a Justice of the Peace is something that must be recognised and appreciated, particularly in a small town like Collie,” he said.
“When Dave first arrived in Collie he seamlessly integrated into the community and has always put himself forward to volunteer and be available when the town has needed him.
“Dave has not only stepped up and been part of organised volunteering groups, such as the Lions Club and Veteran Car Club, but has helped out individuals in the community wherever he can.
“Dave is an outstanding example of how beneficial volunteering is in a small community.
“Volunteers, like Dave, really are the backbone of a small community and I am pleased to see his hard work has not gone unnoticed.”