Saltwater Vets and our Local Woman of the Year
For vastly different reasons the founder of Saltwater Veterans, Scott Reynolds, and our Local Woman of the Year, Melissa Burgess, are making significant contributions to our local community.
On 6 March Melissa was presented with her Local Manly Woman of the Year Award during a special presentation in Sydney’s International Convention Centre, recognising outstanding women and their significant positive influence on our society.
A little over three years ago, Melissa launched ‘Op for Change’, an independent op shop in Sydney Road, Manly, with the aim of ensuring all profits would be directed to local charities and other not-for-profit entities.
“The vision and leadership Melissa has demonstrated in building a thriving, fully independent and entirely volunteer run organisation – all in the name of giving back – is truly inspiring.
“Melissa embodies the very best of Manly and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contribution to our community.”
Scott Reynolds, along with his wife Jennifer, is also making a significant impact through establishing the Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project.
It began humbly as ‘Four Men in a Boat’ in 2017 before evolving into the current organisation with the aim of supporting fellow veterans and their families by fostering meaningful connections through sailing.
The organisation, which operates with the support of Manly Sailing and Manly Yacht Club, has a primary focus on supporting wounded, injured and sick veterans and as a health promotion charity, can provide for tax deductible donations.
Fittingly, the Saltwater Veterans are preparing for this year’s ANZAC Commemorative Sail on 8 April from 9.30. It’s a social sail for all skill levels and will include a community barbecue.
To further enhance the organisation’s work, there is a push for a dedicated sail training vessel, which will serve as a highly inclusive ‘flagship’ for the veterans’ sailing community, similar to the ‘Young Endeavour’. More details can be found at saltwaterveterans.org
Congratulations to both Melissa and Scott for their outstanding contributions to our community.
Follow Saltwater Veterans
Follow @saltwaterveterans on social and visit saltwaterveterans.org
Follow Op for Change
Follow @op.for.change on socials and pop instore at 41 Sydney Rd, Manly to champion the circular economy while also supporting local charities.
More from James Griffin
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