Volunteers named Wingecarribee Shire’s top citizens

4 February, 2013Posted in: Community, Events
 

Tireless Southern Highland volunteer Marie Hodgson has been named Wingecarribee Shire’s 2013 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.

A lifelong local, Marie’s commitment to community can be traced back more than 70 years when she served with the Australian Women’s Army Service.

Today Marie can be found volunteering her spare time at a number of Highland charities including Meals on Wheels, the Moss Vale Girl Guides, Probus and the Moss Vale Horticultural Society.

Marie is also an integral member of the Shire’s Seniors Advisory Committee.

Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Erica Longhurst.

The Chevalier College student was also nominated for her volunteer work and peer support efforts.

Like Marie, a number of the Shire’s charities are the beneficiaries of her volunteer work including St John Ambulance, the Burrawang Rural Fire Brigade, the Robertson Environment Protection Society, the Berrima District Museum and Harbison Care.

Wingecarribee Shire Mayor, Councillor Juliet Arkwright congratulated both winners saying they were shining examples of the wonderful Southern Highlands community spirit.

“We are very lucky to have such dedicated and hardworking community volunteers in our Shire,” she said. “There is no doubt our Shire is a better place as a result of the selfless contributions both our recipients have made.”

“The Australia Day Awards provide an opportunity for Council to recognise those residents who continue to work for the betterment of the community.”