From the Porter Report July 2010 - Volunteer of the Year 2010

Mary with Neal Miller (Volunteer of the Year 2010)

Mary congratulates this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award Mr. Neal Francis Miller for his outstanding service to the community through his involvement with the Lions Club of Canberra Belconnen.

Neal started his association with the Lions Club in July 1996 and has served with distinction since that date. His dedication has earned him several Lions Medals and certificates of achievements.

Neal’s effort, particularly in fundraising, deserves mention. As a result of his direct involvement in the annual Lions Breakfast-at-the-Balloons project over the last fourteen years, approximately 800 hours, he has helped raise over $ 180,000. This has enabled the club to donate nearly $40,000 to the Australian Lions Drug Awareness Foundation; the Lions Save Sight Projects and importantly too, the purchase of four Hart Walker frames for children with cerebral palsy.

Neal also volunteers his time to the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia (ACT) (SSAA), through which he works tirelessly to foster the safe and responsible use of firearms within the community. He is involved in teaching young and potential sports persons, as well as coordinating remedial training sessions for members of the Australian Customs Service, the Australian Federal Police and New South Wales Police. In 2008 Neal was awarded life membership of the SSAA (ACT) Inc.