I was delighted to host the 2022 Newcastle Volunteer Service Awards Ceremony today. Its been a tough couple of years for our community groups and organisations battling the impacts of a global pandemic, but volunteers have clearly prevailed in the face of adversity. Despite the many obstacles, volunteers have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to make a positive difference in the lives of others and ensure that no one is left behind. Novocastrians have given freely their time, love, and energy to care for others. Theyve embraced the vulnerable and marginalised, theyve guided and mentored young people, theyve helped communities rebuild after disasters, theyve worked to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home, with food on the table. Theyve kept us all safe and sound. Local volunteers have been vital in our collective response to the pandemic providing important skills and expertise, supporting mental health and wellbeing, improving the lives of people with disability, and providing quality care to older Australians. Many volunteers have been on the frontline working day and night in the most challenging situations, doing everything they can, often with limited resources. This commitment to community service represents the best of who we are as Novocastrians. There are so many seemingly ordinary people in our community doing truly extraordinary things, but too often they dont get the recognition they deserve. Todays ceremony is an important occasion for us to publicly recognise the incredible work volunteers do every day to help make our city the very best we can be. Our communities thrive because of the commitment of our volunteers. Thats why its so important to come together to both celebrate and acknowledge these selfless Novocastrians.