Volunteer Special Achievements
PCLC volunteers are held in very high regard by all connected with the Centre and the community. A number of PCLC volunteers have received awards in recognition of their important contribution.
Kath Neilsen Memorial Award
Since 2002, the Kath Neilsen Memorial Award has been presented to a volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to PCLC. This Award was created in honour of the late Kath Neilsen who was a founder and strong supporter of PCLC. Congratulations to the winners of the Kath Neilsen Memorial Award:
- 2002 Elaine Pierson
- 2003 Roderick Tan
- 2004 Greg Russo
- 2005 Michael Denison
- 2006 Peter LeSouef
- 2007 Patrick Smith
- 2008 Trish Samson
- 2009 Chris Galagher.
PCLC's Volunteer Encouragement Awards
2002 Julie Newdick, Emma Langton-Bunker
We thank Monash University Student Union (Caulfield & Frankston) for sponsoring the 2002 Volunteer Encouragement Award.
2003 Poramy Chhit, Rhonda Sandardos
We thank Monash University Student Union (Caulfield & Frankston) for sponsoring the 2003 Volunteer Encouragement Award.
2004 Anastasia Betinsky, Noah Erlich
We thank Monash University Student Union (Caulfield & Frankston) for sponsoring the 2004 Volunteer Encouragement Award.
2005 Fulvio Pasquini, Heather Perry
We thank Monash University Student Union (Caulfield & Frankston) for sponsoring the 2005 Volunteer Encouragement Award.
2006 Sandra Dargie, Andrew Doyle
We thank Monash University Bookshop for sponsoring the 2006 Volunteer Encouragement Award.
2007 Jenelle Myers, Pamela Casagrande, Mat Giaquinta
We thank Bentons Square Shopping Centre for sponsoring the 2007 Volunteer Encouragement Awards.
2008 Nina Bigu, Jonathan Sise, Carla Purcell, Claire Hunting
We thank Slater & Gordon Lawyers for sponsoring the 2008 Volunteer Encouragement Awards.
2009 Rod Callaghan, James Davaris, Rebecca Fritsch and Zeng He
LIV President's Awrd (2009)
Congratulations to Greg Russo who was short-listed for the LIV President's Award (Mentor Category) in recognition of the pro-active role he takes in supporting students and young lawyers at PCLC and in his private practice.
Greg has volunteered at our Pines and Frankston branches for more than 15 years, as well as serving on our Management Committee.
City of Frankston Commendation Award (2008)
Congratulations to Chris Galagher on winning a Citizen of the Year (Frankston) Commendation Award. The Award was presented by Frankston Mayor, Cr Alistair Wardle, at the City’s 2008 Australia Day ceremony.
The Award recognised Chris’ exceptional contribution to the local community through his volunteer work at Peninsula Community Legal Centre and support of a number of other community groups and initiatives. For over 20 years, Chris has volunteered his time to provide free legal advice to clients, as well as serving on the Centre’s Management Committee, currently in the role of President.
Distinguished Pro Bono Service Awards (2005)
On 24 February 2005, five of PCLC’s paralegal volunteers won Distinguished Pro Bono Service Awards for their long-term contribution to the Centre. The Awards, sponsored by the Victoria Law Foundation and presented in association with the Institute of Legal Executives, honoured the unpaid work of paralegals in supporting access to justice.
Congratulations to our winners:
Judy del Rio (25 years of service)
Elaine Pierson (27 years of service)
Jack Damschke (10 years of service)
Sarah Hudson (7 years of service)
Linda Taylor (5 years of service).
Distinguished Pro Bono Service Awards (2003)
Special tribute was paid to the exceptional lawyer volunteers of community legal centres at the presentation of the inaugural Distinguished Pro Bono Service Awards, sponsored by the Victoria Law Foundation.
Congratulations to our winners:
Rudi Meier (27 years service)
Michael Denison (22 years of service)
Chris Galagher (21 years of service)
Joe Gorman (21 years of service)
Peter LeSouef (21 years of service)
City of Frankston Commendation Award (2003)
Congratulations to volunteer Michael Denison on receiving a Certificate of Commendation at the City of Frankston’s Australia Day Awards in 2003.
Children’s Lawyer Awards (2002)
Congratulations to volunteer Joe Gorman on receiving a Certificate of High Commendation for excellence in the legal representation of children and young people in the national 2002 Children’s Lawyer Awards.