Award for social support body

Gateway Social Support Options has received a Sports and Recreation Industry Award for the second consecutive year.

Gateway is a small, community-based, non-profit organisation providing social, sporting and recreational services to frail older people and people with disabilities living in the Cities of Hobson’s Bay, Maribyrnong and Brimbank.

The Volunteer Management Award was presented to Gateway by Minister for Sport and Recreation Justin Madden.

Gateway was also runner-up in the Organisational Management Award category.

Gateway manager Adriana Smith said the award acknowledged the International Year of Volunteers and the special role volunteers play within the organisation, providing about 700 hours of their time per month.

‘If volunteers are given support and recognised for what they do, they walk away feeling appreciated and looking forward to the next day.’

Ms Smith said Gateway placed a strong emphasis on involving volunteers in the overall management of the organisation as well as the delivery of services.

‘Training is one of the keys in recruiting and training volunteers.

‘We aim to give volunteers training opportunities that will benefit our organisation and the individual.’

Ms Smith said creating links and relationships with other organisations has been vital in the development of Gateway’s sport and recreation programs.

‘Liaising with community groups and sporting centres has resulted in a number of new opportunities for our clients such as woodcraft and pottery, swimming, music and theatre.

‘Providing a varied recreational and sporting program ensures all different groups of people we help benefit from a more active lifestyle and an improved quality of life,’ Ms Smith said.

• For more information on Gateway Social Support Options contact Adriana Smith on 9399 3000.