Since 1995 over 70 Doncare staff and volunteers have been recognised for their valuable commitment to the community at the Menzies Community Australia Day Awards. The Hon. Kevin Andrews MP awarded "the champions in our local community for all of their selfless, caring and hard work" at the 2018 Australia Day Ceremony in Manningham. Doncare would like to congratulate Rosina Cincotta, Cynthia and Gerry Kearney, Carolyn Vimpani and Jill Lowe and thank them sincerely for their dedication to Doncare.

Rosina Cincotta is an avid volunteer; she volunteers her time with St Vincent De Paul with the Rotary Club of Templestowe and as a support worker in Doncare's Information and Crisis Support program. Providing food to the community on a daily basis requires enormous organisation and Doncare put out the call for volunteers to coordinate its food donations, storage, distribution and stock in its food pantry. Rosina was quick to put her hand up and comes to Doncare one day a week alongside a colleague and together they do an amazing job of stock control and pantry coordination. Rosina's dedication frees up staff to attend to clients in need.

Jill Lowe is a Palliative Care Nurse, who wants to “give back to her commmunity”. She has volunteered in Doncare’s D.A.W.N program as an “Angel” mentor supporting women who have left a violent relationship since 2011. Jill has raised funds for the disadvantaged and also volunteered with Very Special
Kids Inc., Villa Maria Carer Services, Arthritis Victoria, Town Clubs of Victoria, and the Doncare Survivors and Supporters Sing (SaSSing) choir. Jill is also a crafts creator and supportive grandparent. Jill is a real ‘people person’, who empathises and connects with others. Jill’s support and friendship has significantly impacted the lives of many women.

We also congratulate Mrs Carolyn Vimpani on receiving a Medal (OAM) in the General Division for service to people with disabilities. Carolyn has done an extraordinary amount of work to improve the lives of people with disabilities living within Manningham. She has also been a staunch supporter of the Carramar Social Support Group volunteering her time and talents regularly providing homemade morning teas and soups for the group member to enjoy. Well done Carolyn, richly deserved.

Volunteers Gerry and Cynthia Kearney were also recognised for their valuable contribution to the community through their commitment to Doncare’s Op Shop program. Read this fabulous article about this wonderful couple in the the Warrandyte Diary and checkout the January 29 edition of the Manningham Leader.

.