Sophie Conlon
Bob Brooksby has been named the 2024 Tatiara Volunteer of the Year for his dedication to the Padthaway community.
Mr Brooksby said he never expected to be nominated, let alone win the community award.
“It’s very humbling,” he said.
“I do a bit, but I don’t do it for the recognition and I know there is a lot of people in Padthaway who do a lot for the community.”
Mr Brooksby said he volunteered to ensure Padthaway’s future.
“To keep bettering our community for our next generation,” he said.
“I am a big believer in if you are not going forwards you are going backwards, so let’s rip in and keep getting better.
“The generations before us have done that so at my age in my life I should be able to put something back into the community.”
Stand out projects for Mr Brooksby include helping with upgrades at the Padthaway football, cricket, netball and tennis clubs.
Mr Brooksby was heavily involved in the development of the new change and bathroom facilities constructed for the football and cricket clubs, as well as the court upgrades for the netball and tennis clubs.
“Those projects would be on par, they’re both as important as the other,” he said.
Mr Brooksby had also been heavily involved in coaching football, taking on junior colts, senior colts, B grade and now helping with school football.
“All of that stuff is about community, if we don’t have community what have we got? not much,” he said.
In his nomination the work Mr Brooksby had completed was described as instrumental.
On the back of the award Mr Brooksby said everyone should have a go at volunteering.
“It’s great, I would definitely suggest it to other people, 100 per cent, ” he said.
The award was presented to Mr Brooksby at Tatiara District Council’s inaugural Mayor’s Volunteer Reception held on May 26.
