Rotary Club of Ocean Grove recognised eligible members and businesses at its recent Community Awards Night.
Over a two-month period members of the public were encouraged to nominate someone they might know, or a local business who they felt provided excellence in service or went just that little bit further to make the customer welcome.
Over 60 people helped to celebrate the evening which was held at the Ocean Grove Bowling Club where winners were presented with their certificates and prizes.
Apprentice of the Year award winner was Corey Grundy, a second-year apprentice with Ocean Grove All Makes Automotive .
Corey received his certificate and a cheque for $500 to help him with his ongoing apprenticeship expenses. This award was sponsored by Ocean Grove Business Association and presented by its president Ty Symons.
Volunteer of the Year went to Neil Derrick, a volunteer with the Uniting Church, who was described by his nominator as “an unsung Ocean Grove hero”. Neil received a cheque for $200 and a donation of $300 to the charity of his choice.
Neil requested that his cheque and charity prize be combined and given to Riding Develops Abilities and Disable Surfers Association, each receiving $250.
Small Business Excellence award went to the Groove Cafe, which received a certificate together with a cheque for $100.
Pride of Workmanship award went to Christine Lomas, a customer service assistant at Coles Ocean Grove. Christine received $100 and started at the old Tuckerbag and stayed on when Coles took over.
“It was a great evening enjoyed by all and the entries were of an extremely high standard making it very hard for the judging panel to come up with the winners,” Rotarian Martin Geerings said.
“All entrants can feel extremely proud of their nominations and is a reflection of how our community feels about each and every one of them.”
