VolleBall – a night to remember!

(from DSE's internal webpage "Inform")

Peter Vollebergh is currently preparing to head home from rehabilitation after a serious body surfing accident left him a quadriplegic. The Volleball was organised to raise money for modifications to Peter’s home and car.

“The response was overwhelming, reflecting how well respected Peter is both professionally and more broadly within the community,” said Sustainable Water Environment and Innovation Division Executive Director Jane Doolan.

“Together we raised more than $42,000, which will go a long way towards supporting Peter with his ongoing rehabilitation, and his transition back home. It was a fantastic effort.”

Supporters included a ‘who’s who’ from the natural resource management industry including staff from the Office of Water and other divisions of DSE, as well as Catchment Management Authorities, Melbourne Water, and astounding support from consultants involved in the water Industry. There was also a huge turn out from members of the Vollebergh’s local Alphington community, close family and friends.

Peter Vollebergh with wife Melissa at the ball

“There is a very long list of people to thank for making this event so successful,” said Jane. “This includes Nick Barker (Nick Barker and the Reptiles fame), and bands Gossling and Cliff Bowden & Band for performing on the night. DSE, and particularly David Downie and the Office of Water . Processing donations and payments could not have been possible without the support of the River Basin Management Society (RBMS).”

Special thanks to the Sustainable Water Environment and Innovation Division and VolleBall organising committee members Phil Mitchell, Tori Perrin, Sam Marwood, Helen Morrongiello, Kirsty Hopkins, Leah Wheatley, Mandy Bolton, Deb Brown, Jane Ryan and Tiffany Inglis. And thanks to everyone else who helped make the night such a huge success.

The cub donated a package worth $400 for the auction which was organised by the Malan’s

Peter and Melissa have asked that the following note of thanks be passed on to all those who attended, assisted or made donations (could you please forward this on if you think we have missed anyone!).

Dear Friends,

Melissa and I would sincerely like to thank all those of you who either attended the VolleBall, made donations even if you couldn’t attend, donated goods for the silent auction, or organized for donations for the silent auction.

Your support is both overwhelming and very much appreciated. It has touched us deeply and has really made a difference to staying positive throughout my recovery.

Peter (and Melissa).