THIS year’s Gannawarra Shire Council Citizen of the Year sees himself as a “little cog in a big wheel” that helps with many of the district’s services.
Kerang resident, Ken Jenkins received the shire’s top honour at a ceremony on Thursday night at Kerang’s Senior Citizens Rooms.
The former Kerang District Health board chairman was recognised for his roles with numerous community groups since moving to the town more than 50 years ago.
The Gannawarra Times editor was shocked to receive the honour, praising fellow nominees Rocky Catanese, Julie Davey and Brooke Southern when accepting the award.
“I am quite humbled to receive this award,” Mr Jenkins said.
“Certainly any of the other nominees would have been worthy winners.”
The award honours the 61-year-old’s passion to the community, developed at a young age.
Mr Jenkins was a charter member of the Rotaract Club of Kerang – an organisation liked to Rotary that caters for students and young professionals aged 18 to 30.
In later years, Mr Jenkins held executive and committee positions with the Kerang Business Council.
The nomination also recognised Mr Jenkins’ commitment to football umpiring, specifically roles held with the Northern District Football Umpires Association – which he is a life member of – and the Victorian Country Football Umpires Association.
However, it is his commitment to local health services that Mr Jenkins is most passionate about.
Mr Jenkins has been an Ambulance Victoria community officer for 25 years, and served on the Kerang District Health board since 2003.
“I learnt First Aid when I was in Scouts when achieving my Queen’s Scout, and it was something I enjoyed doing,” he said.
“As for the hospital board, when dad (former newspaper editor, Lloyd Jenkins) left the hospital board I was asked to take on the role.
“The hospital is a key part of the community, and the role on the board is very satisfying, especially with the completion of the redevelopment.”
Other commitments Mr Jenkins has previously had within the community include serving on the St Patrick’s Catholic Church Parish Council, the Gannawarra Shire Flood Appeal funding disbursement advisory committee, St Joseph’s Primary School council and McKillop College council.
“I see myself as a little cog, like many others, in a big wheel that keeps the district going,” he said.
“I would also like to thank my wife, Anne for allowing me to get out in the community.”
