Ommunity givers
Shirley Westerberg has been involved in a long list of community groups with a passion to continually support and improve the community.
“With a professional background in the airline and hotel industry, Shirley has played a big part in encouraging tourism in both Baw Baw and Latrobe City.
“During these years, Shirley played a pivotal role in helping the Central Gippsland area secure $13.7 million worth of tourism business,” Cr Gauci said.
Ms Westerberg said when she came to Australia 50 years ago she never thought she would experience such a wonderful life.
She said her philosophy was: there’s never such a word as can’t; always trust people; and treat them how you would like to be treated.
Ms Westerberg acknowledged the many volunteers that she had worked alongside.
Cultural Achievement - Clutural Achievement
Olivia’s Place is a community focused organisation that supports and encourages families during pregnancy and early parenting through the provision of resources, education and professional services, all free of charge.
Cr Gauci said demand for services had grown extraordinarily with the service providing $95,000 worth of support to 83 different families.
The award was accepted by Kirsten Finger on behalf of Olivia’s Place.
Ms Finger said the success of Olivia’s Place was the result of the work and commitment from a whole team of people.
She said demand for the service had increased 250 per cent in the past six months.
“We always say it takes a village to raise a family. Olivia’s Place does not do this alone, we do this with the support of business who sponsor our events and people who donate their goods,” she said.
Ms Finger said an appeal for families who had “cancelled Christmas” because they could not afford it, resulted in Olivia’s Place re-homing $6000 worth of goods in the weeks before Christmas. “It’s overwhelming that people want to be a part of that village,” she said.
Community Contribution -Sporting Achievement
Since its launch in April 2015, Warragul Parkrun has grown into a well-supported free community event held every Saturday morning at Brooker Park.
“Whether people are just getting started on their running journey or are seasoned athletes using Parkrun as a part of their training schedule; everyone is welcome to come along and join in on the fun,” CR Gauci said.
Isabel Murdoch accepted the award on behalf of the Warragul Parkrun team.
Ms Murdoch said Parkrun welcomed walkers, plodders, runners, prams and dogs.
She said between 80 and 100 people attended every week.
She said the rewards were watching people achieve a personal best or seeing the enjoyment of people who just wanted to walk and have a good old chat.