Kelly honoured for years as volunteer

A Tom Price volunteer who gives up her time for five different organisations is the winner of this month’s Pilbara News West Pilbara Emergency Services Volunteer of the Year award.

Nicole Kelly has been a volunteer for 10 years — seven of those in Tom Price.

“I just like to give something back to the communities that I’ve worked in,” she said. “It’s just nice to put back and give back to the community that we live in.”

Ms Kelly is an active member of the local Fire and Rescue Service, St John Ambulance Service, State Emergency Service and the Bush Fire Brigade — holding leadership positions in three of four of the services.

However, one of Ms Kelly’s most rewarding roles is being the co-ordinator of Tom Price Senior High School’s Emergency Cadets Service.

“That is the most rewarding part, seeing the kids and their eyes light up when they do different skills,” she said.

“Also to see them come through the volunteer emergency service groups has been fantastic.”

The cadet unit is highly decorated having received a number of high-profile awards from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services over a number of years.

Towns in the Pilbara rely heavily on volunteers, particularly smaller places like Tom Price.

“If we didn’t have volunteers a lot of things wouldn’t get done, including cleaning up our towns, helping others who are sick and injured, the SES helping people in the gorges,” Ms Kelly said.

“Without those services people would be in a lot more trouble than they are — they’re just a vital service.”

Tom Price resident Glyn Potter nominated Ms Kelly for the award.

“I have never met a more community focused individual,” he said.

“Since she has been in Tom Price she has dedicated her life to all emergency services groups here.”

Mr Potter said Ms Kelly gave herself tirelessly to all the organisations she was involved in.

Nominations are open for this month’s awards and should be emailed to christopher.lees@pilbaramedia.com.au with a short description of why your nominee deserves an award.