A QUIET achiever of the Gannawarra Shire has been recognised as the Council’s 2024 Citizen of the Year, for her tireless work in numerous community groups.
One of six women nominated for the prestigious award, Jacqueline Hibbert was honoured at last week’s Australia Day Awards.
Mrs Hibbert told the Gannawarra Times she “felt incredibly humbled”.
“Being part of this community and giving back and doing what I can for it is a very important thing to me,” she said.
“When I first came to Kerang, I realised that being a part of the community was extremely important in a country town.
“When tragedy hit and my husband passed away, although we had been in Kerang for only four years, the community were absolutely wonderful to me and to my three children.
“This town surrounded me with support, it’s a wonderful place to live.
“I think the whole community are worthy of being recognised. I hope that what I do is just a reflection of so many people in this town.”
Mayor Ross Stanton said Mrs Hibbert, a founding member of the Kerang Progress Association and Gannawarra Refugee Support Group, “is renowned for her knowledge, reliability and support”.
“Jacqueline has also held executive positions for many local groups,” he said.
“Her experience as a retired secondary school teacher pivotal for roles she current holds or has held with the Kerang District Health Ladies Auxiliary, Kerang Probus, Kerang Progress Association, the Kerang District Health Rita Hall Opportunity Shop, RSL and Gannawarra Refugee Support Group.”
Mr Stanton said the impact of volunteers like Mrs Hibbert was invaluable and provided so much to the community.
“Our community is made up of a lot of people, but it’s volunteers like these ones that make our community tick and keep it stitched together,” he said.
“If you added up the hours, it would be billions of dollars in labour hours that people are just volunteering.
“That should just never go unrecognised and unrewarded in any way.
“Too often, people like Jacqueline go unrecognised, so it’s nice that we can recognise all of their efforts.”
Mr Stanton said helping your neighbours and wider community was what it meant to be Australian.
“If you go back and look at our culture, that is part of our culture,” he said.
“Helping each other, getting stuck in when people need it; this is really the fabric of Australia.
“Regardless of what race you are, that is the fabric of Australia and it’s something that I’ve always seen and been involved in all of my life.”
Citizen of the Year nominees:
Rachel Barnes
Rachel has made an outstanding contribution to the community through her passion for educating others about dance.
She dedicates hours of her time to running children and adult dance classes, debutante balls and wedding rehearsals.
After losing her daughter through stillbirth last year, Rachel sought to raise awareness and much-needed funds for Red Nose Australia. She hosted a fundraiser called Dancing for Hope, to bring down the statistics of pregnancy and infant loss.
Mandy Hutchinson
Northern District Community Health’s former chief executive Mandy Hutchinson was the founding member of numerous partnerships and strengthened relationships with the community.
Prior to her time with NDCH, Mandy spent eight years with Gannawarra Shire Council, including four years as Director Community Wellbeing.
Mandy has also supported Cohuna Secondary College, been involved in the Cohuna Dance Group and Golden Rivers Theatre Group and served as the netball president of the Leitchville-Gunbower Football Netball Club for the past four seasons.
Tracy Roberts
Tracy has immersed herself in the community, promoting youth and sport opportunities, as well as other community events.
She regularly attends many local events, through her role as the official photographer for the Kerang Football Netball Club, Kerang Cricket Club, Summerwave Festival and other community gatherings.
Tracy is, or has been involved in many community groups, including the Kerang and District Agricultural Society, the Kerang Show and Shine Committee and the Kerang Technical High School Council, in which she is currently president.
Brooke Williams
Brooke has a positive, can-do attitude and is always willing to help and step into committees, including holding executive roles to ensure that the community needs are being catered for.
She is currently Kerang Primary School Council vice-president, Kerang Amateur Swimming and Lifesaving Club treasurer and swim teacher, Wandella Football and Netball Club committee member and netball umpire/scoring coordinator, Kerang Fire Brigade member and Kerang Little Athletics Centre results and registration manager.
Brooke demonstrates great leadership, organisational skills, enthusiasm and dedication to everything she does. She strives to keep our community alive and provide our youth with support and extra-curricular activities.
Kaye Wilson
Kaye has served the greater Cohuna community for more than 30 years, through efforts that have benefited social service, community fundraising, exercise, fitness and aged care support.
She has been the Cohuna Swimming Club’s secretary for the past 20 years, was a Bridge-to-Bridge committee member for 16 years, was on the Cohuna Secondary College Council for 11 years and has supported the Cohuna District Health Murray to Moyne fundraising team for 20 years.
Kaye is also a passionate advocate for the benefits of physical activity, conducting lifestyle and fitness classes, from toddlers to our senior residents.
