Related story: Super effort from our volunteers
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IT turns out Owen and Thelma Ison of Terara are living two lives.
Most of the time they’re a mild-mannered, cute and friendly older couple living a quiet life on acreage. The rest of the time they’re putting their considerable super powers to work on the Terara Country Music Campout.
It was the $80,000 they’ve raised for local charities over six years that earned them the Shoalhaven Superheroes Service and Beyond trophy recently.
The first they knew about their nomination was an invitation to the second annual Shoalhaven Superheroes Service and beyond Volunteer Awards in Bomaderry.
“I’m not up in that world,” Mr Ison said.
“I’m a cow cocky, a bushwacker sort. They said go to the Bomaderry Bowling Club, but we didn’t really know what it was all about. “We turned up and there were about 190 people there.
“Through the night our name went up on the screen and we were given the trophy,” Mr Ison said.
“The award was for the money we donate to Shoalhaven charities. That money was raised by the country music campout.
“I remember many years ago doing some work at Noahs Ark and I’ve always had it in my mind that if I ever had something to give, I was going to give to organisations like that,” Mr Ison said.
Shoalhaven Superheroes founder David Arakie congratulated all winners and finalists.
“We look forward to the opportunity to again recognise and thank all of this year's volunteer finalists and the category award sponsors at the Shoalhaven Superheroes Volunteer Recognition Reception at the Speaker's Garden, NSW Parliament House on Tuesday October 18,” Mr Arakie said.
The awards showcase volunteers in the Shoalhaven, individuals, groups and organisations, who have shown an outstanding commitment to helping the community.