ONE of the district’s longest-serving Meals on Wheel volunteers is the 2016 Gannawarra Shire Council Senior Citizen of the Year.
Kerang resident, Alison McKenzie received the shire’s top gong for residents aged 60 years or older.
The 74-year-old has spent the past 45 years assisting the meals program, helping to co-ordinate rosters and filling for anyone who is unable to fill their shift.
“I’m thrilled to bits to receive the award,” Mrs McKenzie said.
“As one of the recipients (Lenny Brown) said on Thursday night, if I could split the award and give it to all the nominees, I would.”
Many of the Kerang’s community services are operating thanks to Mrs McKenzie’s assistance.
The Murray Street Kindergarten – now a part of the Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre – and the Kerang Little Athletics Centre formed thanks to the efforts of Mrs McKenzie and others.
Mrs McKenzie previously volunteered her time to serve supper at Northaven – Kerang’s largest aged care facility – and established the popular indoor bowls program, which celebrated its 21st anniversary late last year.
“It’s just in my nature to help other people, just like my mum and dad did,” she said.
Other nominees were Kaye Ash, Brian “Didi” Cadusch and Joyce Gee.
