By Casey Neill
FERNTREE Gully has dominated Knox Council’s Australia Day Awards, scooping three of the four honours.
Nearly 200 people packed the Knox Civic Centre yesterday (Monday) to celebrate Knox citizens’ contribution to the municipality.
Mayor David Cooper said the 14 nominees had displayed exceptional service to the community.
“Whether they’ve won an award or not, these people are our champions,” he said.
“Their contributions are testament to a vibrant, productive and selfless community.”
June Goudie became Knox Citizen of the Year, for more than 40 years of volunteer work with the Country Women’s Association’s Boronia branch and Angliss Hospital Auxiliary.
“We live in a wonderful community, and there are so many people who do so, so much. I just do what I can,” she said.
Ms Goudie is the auxiliary treasurer. The group raises cash for the Upper Ferntree Gully hospital through fundraisers and an opportunity shop in Ferntree Gully.
“Apart from our rent, everything we make goes to the hospital,” she said.
Ms Goudie was awarded the Sir Gilbert Chandler Award in 2005 for her contribution to the hospital.
“I’ve gained far, far more out of it I’m sure than I’ve put into it, because I’ve met so many nice people and made so many friends,” she said.
The octogenarian also has a long history with the Brownies and Girl Guides.
Ms Goudie encouraged everyone to get involved with their community.
“I get so cross when people tell me they’re bored,” she said.
Volunteer of the Year Judy Davies has worked with Knox Community Volunteers since 2000 but first volunteered for the Adelaide Red Cross in the 1960s.
“Just being nominated was a great honour,” she said.
“Now I’m just overwhelmed.”
Ms Davies drives frail and elderly residents to medical appointments and assists visually impaired women with their shopping.
“I have to be their eyes,” she said.
She said Meals on Wheels was a crucial service.
“It’s more than just delivering the meals, it’s social interaction. And there are some absolutely lovely elderly folk out there who are great to get to know.”
Her granddaughter Bella has helped her deliver meals since she was 10 months old.
“And for some of the older folk, she was the only child they saw and they’ve watched her grow up,” Ms Davies said.
“It just means so much to some of them.”
The former Mountain Gate Primary School teacher returns to help out in the classroom and library.
She also delivers books to Amaroo Village as part of a home library service and talks to school groups about Knox Community Volunteers.
Ms Davies says her volunteer work takes up much of her time.
“But it’s so worthwhile,” she said.
A teary Lee Alexander had a special thank you for her daughter Natasha as she accepted her Local Hero award.
Natasha nominated her mum for the honour for her “humble yet energetic spirit”, but had left the breakfast early to play in her basketball team final.
“So she doesn’t get to see this,” Ms Alexander said.
“I feel very honoured and very humbled.” The 47-year-old mother of three was recognised for her role as a Breast Care Nurse and fundraiser for breast cancer research. Ms Alexander supports women recently diagnosed with breast cancer at the Valley Private Hospital.
“You’ve got to be passionate about what you do,” she said. “I’m passionate about my job. I love it.” Ms Alexander runs annual fundraising activities for Breast Cancer Day.
She raised $12,000 in 2007 and $16,000 last year to further breast cancer support and research.
The Victorian Cancer Council has struck the Lee Alexander Research Award in her honour. Rowville’s Andrew White took out the Young Citizen of the Year award for his CFA work.
