Dedicated mentor Jane Lawton wins Peel volunteer award

EdConnect Australia announced Jane Lawton as the recipient of the 2023 Alcoa Foundation Peel Volunteer of the Year Award. This recognition highlights Ms Lawton's exceptional dedication and contributions as a volunteer mentor within the EdConnect school volunteer program.

The annual EdConnect Australia Volunteer Awards recognise and celebrate the commitment and passion demonstrated by school volunteers across Australia.

Michael Pailthorpe, CEO of EdConnect Australia, expressed his gratitude for all EdConnect volunteers, emphasising the vital role they play in supporting over 10,000 young people across Western Australia.

"The EdConnect annual awards acknowledge and celebrate the dedication and commitment of over 600 volunteers in 176 schools in Western Australia who provide vital mentoring and learning support to over 10,000 young people, including the 109 volunteers in 22 schools impacting over 1,900 students in the Peel and Upper South West," Mr Pailthorpe said.

EdConnect Australia recognised Ms Lawton's outstanding efforts that not only made a significant impact on the students she works with, but also represented the spirit of volunteerism and community service that drives EdConnect.

Ms Lawton began as a volunteer at Coodanup College in 2021 and her contributions extend beyond mentoring, as she also co-hosts a new volunteer peer support group, enriching the program for all involved.

“Working as a mentor provides a way to break down barriers between generations and develop understanding of common issues,” Ms Lawton said.

“The experiences of a mentor can support the students and the students provide their unique view of the world as each individual, their problems and gifts are a window to the wider world.”

Judy Mclean, Student Support Coordinator at Coodanup College, praised Ms Lawton’s impact on students.

“Jane is an exceptional mentor who provides invaluable support to our students at Coodanup College,” Ms McLean said. “She assists them through the challenges of school, nurtures their dreams, and cultivates their resilience, preparing them for a successful transition into the workforce when leaving Year 12.”

Alcoa Foundation Australian Lead Rebecca Miniken, who presented the award, said: “The impact EdConnect volunteers have on the lives of the students they assist is incredible.

“I am always humbled to hear the powerful stories of the volunteer finalists and want to thank and congratulate Jane on this achievement.” 

For more information about EdConnect Australia and their volunteer programs, please visit www.edconnectaustralia.org.au.

View the video about Jane’s story at https://youtu.be/UbyRiaaMzWc?si=otF12HeBlY8s4E21m.