The Office of Sport's awards recognise the hard work and dedication of our region's sport volunteers in time for International Volunteers Day on Monday.

Representative of the Office of Sport, Development Officer Sport and Recreation Joanne Bennett was in town on Friday to present Laurie with his award. 

Laurie was president of Parkes Junior Hockey Inc for the last nine years going above and beyond constantly for the betterment of the junior players now and into the future.

He played an integral role in acquiring the new turf and making it game ready, including building dugouts.

Laurie always carried out his role with a smile and infectious laugh, where he has been praised for being a great role model for everyone – from the junior players to the spectators.

Laurie thanked the Office of Sport for the award, and his wife Bronwyn and Tracey Chambers for nominating him.

“I do put a few hours into hockey, but I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it,” he said.

“The committee and volunteers we have in Parkes Junior Hockey and Parkes Hockey Inc itself are great, there is never a shortage of helpers when we are looking for a hand.

“We have people ringing us up all the time wanting to know what they can do to help for the weekend’s sport.

Laurie said a lot of work happens behind the scenes.

“It’s been a great committee to be a director of, I’ve really enjoyed the last nine years,” he said.

“I am very grateful for this award, I really am. It’s nice to get a bit of recognition for the work I have put in.” 

“The future of Parkes Junior Hockey is looking very good for the next generation of kids coming through.”

Cluster Coordinator for the Office of Sport Bron Colman said Parkes is a thriving sporting community.

“A lot of that is thanks to the dedication of people like Laurie,” she said.

“Everyone at Parkes Junior Hockey knows Laurie and this award is timely with his  retirement.”

Laurie was presented a voucher for $250 to spend on sports development programs provided or endorsed by the Office of Sport, Sport and Recreation.

Ms Colman said everyone is a winner when it comes to volunteering.  

“Especially our communities, because without volunteers we couldn't play sport,” she said. 

International Volunteers Day is held annually on December 5 for volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations to celebrate their efforts and showcase the difference they make in their communities.

“I congratulate the winners and runners up as well as say a big thank you all the volunteers across the regions - they are the lifeblood of grassroots Sport across Western NSW,” Ms Colman said. 

“We all rely on the hard work and dedication of our region's volunteers so we can enjoy our weekend sport.”