Foodbank Limestone Coast celebrated National Volunteer Week with a lunch at the Mount Gambier Community RSL last week.

Several volunteers were recognised with the awarding of certificates for their long-standing contributions.

Robert Blackall has volunteered with Foodbank Limestone Coast for nine years and also received a 2022 Premier’s Certificate of Recognition for outstanding volunteer service.

Mr Blackall has volunteered two shifts a week throughout most of his time at Foodbank, delivering food to schools and agencies for families in need.

Foodbank Limestone Coast Branch Manager Lynne Neshoda said Mr Blackall was a very reliable and well-liked volunteer within their team and nothing was ever too much trouble for him.

“Robert has seen many changes over his time at Foodbank and he just takes it in his stride and gets on with the job at hand,” Ms Neshoda said.

“He has made a significant contribution to our community and organisation whether that be delivery of food, warehouse duties or helping with maintenance and cleaning of vehicles.

“As a manager of 30 volunteers, Robert has made my job easy turning up week after week and doing any task I give him.

“He is a true selfless volunteer.”

Volunteers who were recognised for five years of service to Foodbank were John Ditcham, Richard McDonough, Gwen Buckingham, Gloria Salmon, Dianne Tye and Julie Touhy.

Ms Neshoda said Foodbank could not operate without their valuable volunteers.

“Whether in our food hub, warehouse or out delivering, our wonderful and diverse group of volunteers provide an essential service to vulnerable people in our community, especially at times of high need as we have seen over the last two to three years,” she said.