A group of volunteers from the MI Community Development Association were, last week, recipients of Certificates of Appreciation to Australian Volunteers from Member for Herbert Peter Lindsay.

The volunteers provide expertise within various fields of interest which are organised into working groups within the Association. The working groups range widely and include one which compiles and distributes a New Residents Kit while another runs "Butt out"containers for smokers visiting the beaches and other recreational areas. Some of the other activities include the provision of material to provide the Commonwealth Government and other agencies with information about Magnetic Island's World Heritage values. Some members are part of the Water Matters Alliance which provides strong community input into the provision of new water recycling infrastructure on Magnetic while another group works to support bike riding.

The Association also runs a stall promoting membership of this leading Island community organisation.

The individuals who were recognised included: Megan Absolon, Heike von Mellenthin, Allison Hope, Peter Edwards-Davis, Jill Edwards-Davis, Elizabeth Evans-Illidge, Tania Thoreau, Charlie McColl, Peter Driscoll, Di Mackie, Marie de Monchaux, Barry Sullivan, Richard Pountney, Brett Flemming, Janelle Flemming, Kay Major, Dot Cole, Martin Gibson.

They were congratulated by Peter Lindsay who told Magnetic Times, "Across the twin cities an army of volunteers goes about their business everyday helping others in the community.

"Without their help and service many organisations would be unable to operate.
"By presenting these certificates the Australian Government acknowledges the dedicated service and celebrates the achievements of volunteers."