Bribie Island Orchid Society Inc is proud to announce that its Treasurer Ian McLaren has been chosen by Westpac Community Treasurers' Awards judges as the Winner of the Small Organisation Category in the recent “Treasure the Treasurer” Awards.
Ian is pictured here receiving the prize cheque from Westpac Bribie Island Manager, Lisa Barrett with Secretary Lynnette Hauck who nominated Ian for the award. Nominees came from all corners of every state in Australia – from major cities, regional centres and small towns: from organisations big and small and from all sections of the community sector and were a mix of retirees, full time and part time workers.
Each award winner received a certificate, a trophy and a $5000 prize for their organisation.
The awards, launched by the Federal Treasurer The Hon Wayne Swan MP in 2009, are an annual nationwide celebration of the commitment of the thousands of Australians who volunteer their time to help community organisations in Australia. All 431 nominees for the awards have been given a certificate in appreciation of their efforts.
"The Westpac Social Sector Banking team is delighted that so many people were recognised by their peers for their amazing contributions, and that so many entries were of a high calibre," said Head of Community Markets Vanessa Nolan-Woods. "We believe community treasurers are an integral part of our community. Many work long hours for no pay and bear a high burden of responsibility for the financial health of our community organisations, which are so important to this nation."
Our Community Managing Director Denis Moriarty said the Community Treasurers' Awards program was just one of the many ways Westpac and Our Community were working to upskill those who oversee the finances of community groups across Australia.
"We're working to revolutionise banking and the way financial literacy is viewed in the community sector," Mr Moriarty said. "With customised banking products, an accredited team of bankers with specialised knowledge of the sector, financial literacy programs and awards programs such as these, we're working to ensure that the financial wellbeing of community groups across the country is in good hands."
Competition entries were judged on how well a nominated treasurer fulfilled his or her duties of ensuring good financial management, good financial governance and good financial outcomes.
The judges noted Ian’s commitment to financial stewardship, transparency and succession planning, and his diligence in ensuring that all Committee members are fully informed about, and understanding of, the organisation’s finances. They noted Ian’s entrepreneurial approach to fundraising and his understanding that a Community Treasurer’s role is not just about managing money, but about bringing it in. The judges were particularly impressed with Ian’s willingness to get his hands dirty, both figuratively (he’s not afraid to do the photocopying or make the cups of tea), and literally (providing in-home orchid re-potting services for people who are housebound or ill).
The Hon Wayne Swan MP, Federal Treasurer, speaking of the “Treasure the Treasurer” Award stated, "I believe that the work of community treasurers plays a vital role in enriching the lives of everyday Australians. The tireless efforts of my fellow treasurers to keep the books balanced and ensure accountability mean that local sports participants and community volunteers can get on with what they love doing."
Ian has been a member of Bribie Island Orchid Society since 2001 and has held the positions of President as well as Treasurer. When Ian was President, he played a significant part in bringing Sub Tropical Orchid Council of Queensland's Triennial Orchidfest to Bribie Island for the first time. This was by far, the most successful event of its kind ever staged here on the island. The funds raised went straight into the Building Account and so our dream of building our own clubhouse came that one step closer. He was a great President ensuring that all members were well informed of our Society's activities but according to our Constitution, a President can only hold this office for three years. So Ian stepped down from that position and immediately took on the role as Treasurer. His enthusiasm towards all aspects of the Society is quite infectious and generates a feeling within the membership of everyone trying to do that little bit more to raise funds towards our clubhouse. This long held dream is finally becoming a reality with “The Orchid House” presently being constructed on the Bribie Island Recreation Reserve, 156 First Avenue, Bribie Island. Ian is also a Registered Orchid Judge affiliated with the Australian Orchid Council and regularly judges at orchid shows throughout South East Queensland as well as a Guest Judge when he has been holidaying overseas. Ian is often called upon as a Guest Speaker for other community organisations as well as our own meetings and shows. Several of his Cultural Notes can be seen on our website at www.bribieislandorchidsociety.com on the 'Orchids' page. Congratulations Ian on a job well done.
For further details on participating in the 2011 Awards program, email treasurersawards@ourcommunity.com.au or call (03) 9320 6800.
Lynnette Hauck – Secretary
Tags: community awards
