At volunteer recognition events held in Burnie, Launceston, and Hobart, CTST recognised 30 volunteers from across the state who have provided many years of service to our organisation and consumers around Tasmania.
With 20 years of service, we congratulate Hugh Gillies from Smithton on an outstanding achievement to keep people in Smithton and the wider Circular Head community connected.
Hugh joined us back in 2003 after retiring from life on a farm and milking cows for a living. Hugh knew that he wanted to help his community. He didn’t have any hobbies, but volunteering soon became one.
During his 20 years of service, Hugh cites driving people to their medical appointments in the north and northwest as a highlight.
“Taking people to their appointments is always good, and I also drive Out and Abouts which helps you engage with a lot more people,” Hugh said.
“You meet the nicest genuine people who suddenly find that they are unable to drive because of illness. They are so grateful for the time we give them. Volunteering gets you out for the day, and this gives us so much satisfaction that we have something to look forward to.”
Giving back to the community is important in the Gillies household. Hugh’s wife Joy has also completed five years’ service with CTST.
“We should all be volunteering. Anyone can volunteer if they have the time, and it’s important for us to do it after we’ve finished our working life,” Hugh said.
Chief Executive Officer of CTST, Lyndon Stevenson, said that Hugh’s 20 years of service was a remarkable achievement.
“I am full of admiration for Hugh and the 20 years’ service he has given to CTST and in keeping people in the north-west, and particularly his hometown of Smithton, connected,” Lyndon said.
“Hugh is regarded highly by our team and like all of our volunteers, is always happy to help out.”
CTST would also like to acknowledge Graeme Chandler from St Helens who has given 15 years’ service to CTST.
Graeme regularly transports our consumers on our social outings program, ‘Out and Abouts’ to places in the south, Derwent Valley, and the north, as well as door-to-door transport when needed.
Graeme says: “Among the many benefits in helping people and giving back to the community, it’s also good for my mental wellbeing. I need it as much for myself as the people I help”.
CTST congratulates the following volunteers for their length of service:
5 years’ service:
Irene Aitken, Ray Ball, Peter Briggs, Joy Gillies, Doug Hay, Robert Henry, Peter Hill, Christina Horder, Graham Horder, Catherine Johnson, Bob Jones, Phil Lyon, Mike Maria, Lexie Nichols, Robin Partridge, and Ali Smith
10 years’ service
John Rundle,Terry Shea, Norm Bradshaw, Susan Bye, Don Edwards, Jon Henricks, Cheryl Hodgetts, Bill Hodgetts, and Phil Joseph.
15 years’ service
Graeme Chandler and Wayne Paul.
20 years’ service
Hugh Gillies
“CTST would not exist without our volunteers, and we are grateful to all our volunteers, past and present, who have contributed so much to our organisation,” Lyndon said.
“We are lucky to have so many volunteers who are committed to giving back and helping their community.”
