Over the weekend, local Patricia Bone was recognised for her 50 years of services to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

Frank Sedmak, General Manager People and Culture of Cerebral Palsy Alliance said that volunteers were the backbone of their business.

“Without our faithful volunteers, our organisation and many other charities would not be able to provide the level of service and/or reach to people with disabilities,” Frank said. “Through their work volunteers build stronger and more compassionate communities.”

“Whilst all volunteers deserve our appreciation and respect for their service, we owe a special debt of gratitude to Patricia Bone. For 50 years, she has selflessly served the community as a volunteer and helped ensure better services for people with disabilities in the Hunter.”

Patricia joined the, then named, The Spastic Centre, on 23 of May 1963, at their Mosman service in Sydney. She then moved her volunteer role to the Allambie Heights, volunteering at The Country Children's Hostel. I

In 2011 The Spastic Centre changed its name to Cerebral Palsy Alliance to focus their attention on cerebral palsy, and pay tribute to their alliance of clients, families, staff, donors, volunteers, government and researchers.

Patricia was instrumental in the opening of the Wallsend Community Living Service for individuals with Cerebral Palsy in the Hunter region. The Living Service was opened in 1989 to allow people who have severe and multiple disabilities to live in the local community.

The residential program is driven by the individual needs of the participants and programs reflect their individual interests and goals.