Driving people in need of cancer treatment to the Hollman Clinic in Launceston is David Gatenby's favourite thing to do as a volunteer.
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Mr Gatenby is involved numerous community groups throughout the Northern Midlands - including football and tennis clubs - but his favourite gig is director of the Campbell Town Hospital Board.
The role involves ferrying people to Launceston so they can undergo any necessary cancer treatments. On those two hour car rides he is able to connect with the passengers and hear their stories.
"It is quite special in the fact that you are dealing with the vulnerable in the community and you try and help them," Mr Gatenby said.
"Everyone has got a story to tell it doesn't matter how sick they are."
Mr Gatenby said he was humbled to be awarded Citizen of the Year for the Northern Midlands.
He said he was a representative of all the volunteers who pitch in to help out.
"I am absolutely humbled to receive the award and really I am only one of hundreds of people who volunteer around our wonderful community," Mr Gatenby said.
Full list of Northern Midlands award winners:
- Citizen of the Year - David Gatenby
- Event of the Year - Verandah Music Festival
- Volunteer recognition certificates - Arthur Thorpe, Paula Gordon-Smith, Mary Dufour, Maria and Barry Lawson, Jane Harrison and the Perth Mural Group - Rosalie and David Wrigley, Aileen Gough, Phillip Gough, Rosemary Jack, Carlene Bullock and Tim Archer
- Certificate of appreciation recipients - Dr Merle Gray AM, Katrina Rhodes, Keith Ward and Chris Parsons.
The award presentation at Avoca was made more memorable with Mr Gatenby's family gathering from across Australia to celebrate the honour.
Mr Gatenby was one of ten people and communities group honoured on the day.
Northern Midlands Mayor Mary Knowles said it was great to see to honour those people who made an invaluable contribute to the community.
"The volunteers in our community are just amazing. They are the glue of communities, they make sure things happen - look at this event today this is just a group of volunteers from Avoca," she said.
The Northern Midlands awards ceremony was held at Avoca and was followed by a barbeque lunch put on by volunteers.
Cr Knowles said it was good to see how the community had come together particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are lucky in the Northern Midlands we have great communities," she said.
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