People and fun make volunteering easy
Having fun and talking to people has been the backbone to a lifetime of volunteering and community work for this year’s Trafalgar citizen of the year Marianne Tyler.
Marianne was presented with her award at the Trafalgar Australia Day breakfast.
A Trafalgar resident for 26 years, Marianne said “I love volunteering.”
And the award was secondary to the fun she has in her community work and the people she has met.
“Every Thursday morning I can’t wait to get to the Op Shop…we have an absolute ball.
“I love having fun and talking to people,” she said.
Marianne has been a member of the Trafalgar Lions Club for 18 years and awarded Lions International’s highest award, the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award and the Win Tyquin Award, acknowledging her humanitarian efforts.
Marianne is a member of the Trafalgar Op Shop and Trafalgar Cemetery Trust.
She also has supported Trafalgar High School’s boys’ cooking program as well as fundraising efforts for Trafalgar Youth Resource Centre and Trafalgar Boxing Gym.
But many people may recognise Marianne from selling raffle tickets at the local supermarket – a job that began her community involvement when she was 20-years-old.
She wanted a dog and adopted a retired seeing eye dog which led to her selling raffle tickets for the organisation.
“It all snowballed from there,” Marianne said.
Marianne said she had lived in a number of places, including Willow Grove and Tanjil South, but she loved living in Trafalgar the most.
Trafalgar citizen of the year committee member Mick Bourke said judges described Marianne as a valued citizen, known for her long service as a volunteer with many local organisations.
“A friendly, dedicated community
member, Marianne has earned the respect and friendship of many community groups.
“Her consistent commitment and participation are commendable and highly regarded,” Mr Bourke said.