Community
28 November, 2025
Volunteers community dedication recognised
A CAMPERDOWN cricket club president and a Darlington Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteer were among those recognised at this year’s Wannon Volunteer Awards.
The ceremony, held last Friday, saw 54 community members and organisations recognised for their contributions to their communities across the Wannon electorate.
Pomborneit Cricket Club president David Murphy was presented with an Inspiring Individual Award, with Wannon MP Dan Tehan saying Mr Murphy has been a dedicated volunteer at the club.
“His leadership has driven remarkable growth, especially in junior and female programs,” he said.
“He has coached both junior girls and boys, helped launch senior women’s cricket, and led fundraising efforts to secure land for a second oval.
“David’s commitment – spending six days a week at the club during summer – has made Pomborneit a welcoming, inclusive, and thriving sporting hub.
“His tireless efforts, inclusive vision, and passion for cricket have left a lasting legacy and continue to inspire players and volunteers across the community.”
Mr Murphy said he felt ‘slightly embarrassed’ but was still pleased to be recognised for his dedication to the cricket club.
“I received an email with the information saying I was nominated and accepted – it was a nice gesture from the club,” he said.
“It doesn’t feel like work doing any of the roles I undertake.
“It’s enjoyable, and we’ve got a great group of people at the club, on the executive and parents and helpers.
“It’s fun and rewarding at the same time.”
Darlington CFA brigade volunteer Tony Wynd was also recognised, receiving the Emergency Management Award.
Mr Tehan said Mr Wynd has been a “dedicated and highly respected” volunteer with his local brigade for over 30 years.
“Throughout his service, Tony has exemplified commitment, leadership and an unwavering focus on community safety,” he said.
“As brigade captain, he has overseen training, operational readiness, and the integration of new equipment, including the brigade’s heavy tanker, ensuring the team is always prepared to respond effectively to emergencies.
“Beyond his operational duties, Tony’s mentorship and guidance have supported countless volunteers, fostering a culture of professionalism and teamwork.
“His dedication is motivated by a genuine desire to protect others, reflecting the highest ideals of community service.
“Tony’s long-standing contribution has had a lasting impact on the Darlington community, safeguarding lives and property, and strengthening the CFA’s mission.”
Mr Wynd said he felt humbled to be recognised at the awards ceremony.
“I don’t do the service to get recognition, but it’s nice to be recognised for my years of service,” he said.
“I got an email from Dan Tehan’s office, and I didn’t know anything about it.
“It was quite a shock – it wasn’t something I was expecting, but it was a nice surprise.
“You hear a lot about all the bad things happening in the world, so it was wonderful to be in a room and be with people who have made many contributions over 50 years.
“It was wonderful to see the contributions people made to their communities and to be a part of that was humbling – I consider my contribution to be fairly small compared to what other people have done.”
Mr Wynd said he enjoyed getting to speak with other people who gave back to their communities, especially since there were a number of young people being honoured this year.
Mr Murphy said he was honoured to be among the other recipients.
“It’s humbling and, at the same time, when you hear some of the things the other people are doing – it’s amazing what people are out there doing and giving their time up for,” he said.
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