Peel Volunteer Resource Centre (PVRC) manager Vicki Pollard is Mandurah’s latest Local Legend, recognised for her many years of volunteer work and making a positive difference to the lives of others.
Mayor Rhys Williams awarded Vicki at a volunteer appreciation breakfast during National Volunteer Week in May, acknowledging her far-reaching impact on the community and the many contributions she continues to make.
Vicki has managed the PVRC for 15 years, with the centre empowering volunteers and managers through upskilling and support, connecting volunteers with community organisations and supporting vulnerable groups through volunteer programs. Vicki’s advocacy for funding has been crucial in sustaining the PVRC’s operations and delivering vital services.
Last year, Vicki was recognised at the WA Volunteer of the Year awards for WA Excellence in Volunteer Management.
Mayor Williams said Vicki’s contributions to the community sector had made a significant impact on hundreds of people, plus many organisations and community groups in the area.
“Vicki is dedicated to helping others, fostering leadership among our volunteer community and ensuring the long-term success of multiple local organisations. Her recent state award is a testament to her commitment in this field,” he said.
“Volunteers like Vicki play such an important role in supporting communities, and we are so thankful to them. Vicki has worked tirelessly over many years to build a connected and resilient community, and we are grateful for all her efforts.”
Vicki is the Volunteer Coordinator for the RYDE program, supported by the City of Mandurah, which helps young learner drivers who may be facing barriers to obtain their driver’s licence, pairing students with volunteer driving mentors.
She is a member of the Minister for Volunteering’s community reference group, and former Chairperson of the City’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, playing a pivotal role in Mandurah receiving WA’s Most Accessible Community Award. During the pandemic, Vicki organised a team of volunteers to provide essential support to vulnerable people in the community.
Vicki had a crucial role in establishing and organising the Peel Alcoa Volunteer Awards, which have been running for 16 years, recognising the outstanding contributions of young people, seniors, individuals and organisations in the Peel region.
