Local wins State award

A local volunteer has been recognised for her outstanding voluntary work in the community with a prestigious State award.

Kimberley Dental Team volunteer co-ordinator Jan Owen received the excellence in volunteer management accolade in the Volunteering WA Awards.

She accepted the award at a gala event at the Hyatt Regency Perth Hotel on May 14.

The award recognises excellence in volunteer leadership and management of a volunteer program by a salaried or non-salaried volunteering practitioner.

The event was held to coincide with and celebrate National Volunteer Week and acknowledge the more than six million Australian volunteers who bring happiness and a sense of connectedness to the lives of others.

For the past six years, Ms Owen has been co-ordinating much-needed dental care and oral health promotion to Aboriginal children and their families in the Kimberley.

Her dedication has inspired many dental health professionals to make a long-term commitment to volunteering and providing dental care to disadvantaged people in WA.