Lower Hunter Local Wins Nrma Helping People Awards

Lower Hunter Local Wins NRMA Helping People Awards

The volunteer efforts of Stroud resident Rosemary Laing have shone out from almost 450 nominations to win the prestigious Senior Volunteer Award for this year's NRMA Helping People Awards.

NRMA's Helping People Awards annually recognise the efforts of hardworking volunteers from NSW and the ACT who volunteer for a charity or not-for-profit organisation.

NRMA Motoring & Services President Wendy Machin said Rosemary won the Senior Award for her dedication and commitment to setting up a Lower Hunter group of the Riding for the Disabled Association, RDA.

RDA is a volunteer organisation that offers the physically, intellectually and emotionally disabled a chance to enjoy a range of horse and pony riding activities.

"Rosemary is a founder member of RDA Raymond Terrace and Lower Hunter and is the only member who has been actively involved with RDA since its inception 30 years ago," Ms Machin said.

"Rosemary's persistence, hard work and inspired vision have allowed the Centre to develop from a bare paddock into a multimillion dollar complex servicing 120 riders with more than 110 volunteer staff.

"Coaching at RDA, organising training days, fundraising and managing carriage driving days and competitions take up most of Rosemary's time which she gives freely.

"Rosemary Laing represents the special kind of person that the NRMA is proud to recognise and reward through its annual Helping People Awards."

As winner of the 2009 NRMA Helping People Senior Volunteer Award Rosemary will get to explore the Queensland coast with a five night NRMA Travel package for two to the Mantra Resort in Cairns and the Mantra Heritage in Port Douglas including flights.

Rosemary's $5000 donation will go towards further developing and expanding the services of RDA in the Raymond Terrace and Lower Hunter region. To find out more about RDA NSW visit www.rdansw.org.au.

Rosemary and the other three deserving winners of the Environmental, Young and Community Volunteer Awards attended a special presentation ceremony at the NRMA's Head Office in Sydney today to receive their awards.

Contact Kimberly Rigby 0439 133 215
*Photos available on request

SOURCE: NRMA Motoring & Services