Energy Action Chairman receives Certificate of Appreciation for overseas service
Monday, 05 December 2011 16:21
Energy Action Chairman, Dr Ronald Watts, has been recognised for his voluntary contribution to Australia’s overseas aid program with a Certificate of Appreciation, which was presented to him by the Hon. Joe Hockey MP at a ceremony in North Sydney on Thursday 1 December.
The ceremony saw certificates presented to returned volunteers who have served with accredited volunteer-sending organisations in Australia, sharing their time and expertise to enhance the living standards of others, and then sharing their experiences and knowledge of other countries when they return home.
“The certificates formally acknowledge the volunteers’ contribution to the government’s overseas aid program and represents the thanks of the nation for their service,” said the Hon. Joe Hockey MP.
“For many people in developing countries, volunteers are their first contact with Australia,” continued Mr Hockey.
“On their return home, volunteers help to enrich our own society through the benefit of their experience and the links they have built with people in other countries,” concluded Mr Hockey.
Dr Watts received the Certificate in recognition of his volunteer work in Tonga and Samoa, where he helped young business people acquire the skills needed to start or run their own businesses. This consisted of formal training followed by mentoring at the businesses, which included carpentry workshops, cake shops, funeral parlours, farms and more.
One case saw him fly to the island of Vau Vau, some 500km from the capital of Tonga, Nuku’alofa, to visit a student running a very successful hardware store.
“One of the good things about these assignments is that the students were always keen to learn,” said Dr Watts about the experience.
“There seemed to be no problem with motivation.
“I would recommend this kind of work to anyone, as it is a fantastic way of getting to know a country. I feel I could go back to Samoa or Tonga tomorrow and be welcomed into many homes as a friend,” concluded Dr Watts.
The team at Energy Action congratulates Dr Watts on his achievement.