BODALLA's John Young has welcomed being named Southern NSW's volunteer of the year, but says friendship had already made him a winner.
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The Narooma Marine Rescue stalwart said he was surprised to be found on last week's NSW Centre for Volunteering honour roll.
“I knew I was nominated, and it was only to promote volunteers; to try and make it more approachable for people,” he said.
“It’s something you don’t have to wait until you’re retired to do.
"You can do it from a very young age.
“I started volunteering at 18-years-old.
"Some the best friends I’ve ever made, I met through volunteering.
“You meet some great people, do some great things.
"It can be way of life, that’s for sure.”
Mr Young has volunteered for more than 40 years with many organisations.
As a marine rescue unit commander he co-ordinates rescue operations for marine emergencies, liaises with other agencies, trains volunteers and educates people on boating safety and training.
