Top Honours for Avid Child Protection Campaigner
10 October 2014 at 1:06 pm
Tireless child protection campaigner and Bravehearts volunteer Karen Lindley has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the community after taking out top honours at the 2014 Sydney city- East 2014 Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Lindley has been a supporter and volunteer of Bravehearts for more than seven years advocating on behalf of adult survivors of child sexual assault in NSW and is on the Bravehearts’ NSW Committee.
She said the award was a “win for survivors of child sexual assault”.
“I did not expect this at all, but it gives me a great feeling of satisfaction. I accept this on behalf of the entire Bravehearts team. I just open doors for people,” Lindley said.
Bravehearts Founder and CEO Hetty Johnston AM, noted Lindley’s selfless dedication and commitment to child protection.
“Karen is one of the most caring, selfless, compassionate people I know, often putting her clients needs before her own – all at her own expense, all on her own time, often at nights and weekends available to them whenever needed. Her determination and strength makes her so successful in helping clients navigate their way through challenges and obstacles,” Johnston said..
“For so long, many of the adult survivors of child sexual assault in NSW had no one to fight for them, but due to the amazing determination and volunteering of her time and personal resources, Karen has provided this specialised help within the community over the last seven years.
“Her acts of service going above and beyond to ensure that survivors receive the best possible care, support and have a strong voice in all systems and processes are testament to her character. She has tirelessly assisted them during reporting processes to authorities, court support and emotional and practical support.”
Minister for Resources and Energy Anthony Roberts also congratulated Lindley on the award.
“As a proud supporter of the work performed by Bravehearts, and as a foundation member of the Bravehearts New South Wales Advisory Board, I am a strong advocate for the protection of children from child sexual assault. As such, I appreciate the valuable role that volunteers play in supporting victims through this traumatic time in their lives,”Roberts said.
“Ms Lindley has volunteered hundreds of hours of her time for more than a decade assisting the victims of child sexual assault. It takes a remarkable person to dedicate their time to assist those who have been sexually assaulted – Ms Lindley is such a person. Bravehearts’ vision is to make Australia the safest place in the world to raise a child by 2020. It is without a doubt the work of compassionate volunteers, such as Karen Lindley, who have gone a large way to ensuring that this vision will be realised.”
Chief executive at The Centre for Volunteering Gemma Rygate said the annual awards were the State’s way of recognising the outstanding work of volunteers in our community.
“Volunteers make a huge contribution to our community without seeking anything in return,” Rygate said.
“These awards highlight some of the 2.4 million volunteers in NSW and the selfless work they do. Volunteers fill the gaps in communities – they see a local need and generously step in to help others.”
