Terrey Mahoney is not the sort of woman that can sit by and watch others do the work – she has to help, too.
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It is that mentality that has seen the Soldiers Point woman recognised for not one, but three volunteer awards in the past year.
The most recent came on September 13 at the Hunter level NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.
In a ceremony in Sydney, Ms Mahoney took out the adult Volunteer of the Year Award.
“It was a ridiculous shock,” Ms Mahoney said, believing it would be Sue Swain, from Port Stephens Koalas, who would receive it.
Ms Mahoney has volunteered with Riding for the Disabled Raymond Terrace for more than 20 years. She became involved when her daughter, Kristy Dalmazzo, joined. Years later her youngest daughter, Michelle Dalmazzo, joined RDA. All three are active with the centre.
Throughout the years Ms Mahoney has taken on more roles with RDA.
She is the parent representative and talks with people about the value of RDA, is the coordinator of the Monday night dressage group, collects money and fees, organises Raymond Terrace RDA’s major fund-raiser – a dinner dance (formerly known as the Bushie’s Ball) – and is also part of the catering team for events like the RDA State Mounted Games and volunteer luncheons.
“I get a lot of satisfaction and enjoyment out of it,” Ms Mahoney said.
“I feel like I should be doing it. I don’t feel comfortable just sitting back, expecting others to do it all.”
For a woman who said she has never won any awards, she is certainly on a roll.
Late last year Ms Mahoney collected RDA Raymond Terrace’s Duncan Family Trophy for her services.
Following that, she claimed RDA NSW’s Pearl Batchelor 2017 Volunteer of the Year Award for the Raymond Terrace and Lower Hunter region.
This then made her eligible for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.
“This year there has been a record number of nominations for the Volunteer of the Year Awards, with almost 110,000 volunteers recognised across all categories,” CEO of the Centre for Volunteering, Gemma Rygate, said.
Ms Mahoney was humble about the recognition and dedicated the three awards to all volunteers.
“I accept them on the behalf of all volunteers,” she said. “I think we’d be lost without volunteers. There’s so many out there that help.
“Even here [RDA Raymond Terrace] I’m blown away by the volunteers. I’m amazed by how many volunteers who don’t have riders are here. They come because they want to. It’s inspiring.”
By winning a Hunter award, Ms Mahoney is eligible for a state award to be announced in December.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
