Three Ballarat volunteers honoured for quiet work in service
Neil Para, Chenay Wilkinson and Bec Ware each receive $5000 for nominated charities.
Three Ballarat volunteers have been named Community Heroes for their work across emergency services, sport and domestic violence support. Neil Para arrived in Australia as a refugee.
Neil Para has led State Emergency Service crews for a decade. Chenay Wilkinson spends more than 35 hours a week as president of Sebastopol Football Netball Club.
She makes sure no child misses out on sport due to cost. Bec Ware is vice-chair of Ballarat Business Women and board member of the Safe Together Network.
She has built safe spaces for people escaping domestic violence. Each winner receives $5000 to direct toward their nominated charities.
The award recognises people who rarely seek attention but thrive by serving their community.
- $5000
- Award amount per winner
- 10
- Years Neil Para led SES
- 35+
- Hours Chenay volunteers weekly
Why it mattersBallarat's most committed volunteers often work unseen. Formal recognition helps inspire others to step up.
AustraliaThese are local Ballarat stories, but they reflect a nationwide pattern: unpaid volunteers quietly holding up community safety, inclusion and support systems.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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