By Jonty Ralphsmith
A local RSL volunteer has taken out Connecting Cockatoo’s Citizen of the Year at the 2022 Australia Day Awards.
Carol Thompson received the honour in front of a small community gathering at Alma Treloar Reserve on Wednesday 26 January.
Ms Thompson moved to Cockatoo with her family in 1998 and has since been an active contributor to the community: as president of the Cockatoo Community Creche, stallholder at the Cockatoo Market and through her work at the Cockatoo RSL.
After Ms Thompson’s tireless work establishing social events as secretary and treasurer of the RSL from 2015, she was nominated as president in 2022, making her the only affiliate member currently serving as president in Victoria.
Upon receiving her award, she spoke of her shock and said that volunteering was in her blood.
“It was a great surprise. There’s so many worthy people in the community and deserving people so to be nominated and actually win was amazing,” she told the Gazette.
Cockatoo’s other nominee for Citizen of the Year, Elise Turnedge, performed her song, Sound of the Generators, during the event organised by Connecting Cockatoo Communities.
Police and fire crews were among those in attendance and morning tea was served after the awards ceremony, with lamingtons from the Cockatoo Bakery on offer.
The Soopa Doopa Bush Band, who perform frequently at local gatherings, provided entertainment with Australian bush songs on the sunny morning.
Father Bob Maguire was also in attendance and gave an entertaining address.
Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Jenny Reynolds for her contribution to the CFA, local cricket club and Cockatoo Senior Citizens Group.
The locals in attendance enjoyed catching up with Mrs Reynolds who has been forced to live in Pakenham since a tree damaged her house and caused her spinal and rib fractures in 2020, injuries she is slowly recovering from.
Mrs Reynolds said her absence had given her a greater appreciation for Cockatoo and she hoped to return in the next 12-24 months.
“People care for people here. You know that if there’s something wrong, there’s someone to help you because everyone backs each other and looks out for one another,” she said.
“It’s good to be here and get thanks so we know we’re appreciated.”
Jacynta Howden won Youth Citizen of the Year for her volunteering efforts at the Cockatoo Country Market and the Cockatoo and Emerald Emergency Support Team.
With her effervescent and affable personality, she is known widely around town so many people stopped to say hello during the interview.
“I give a massive thanks to Mum for pushing me outside my comfort zone and encouraging me to volunteer,” she said.
“It’s just how I was raised. I don’t feel like I’ve done that much in all honesty.”
Emerald and Cockatoo Emergency Support Team was awarded the Community Group of the Year for its provision of relief and recovery after weather events, particularly the storms in 2021.
The Event of the Year went to the Cockatoo Community Market; 2500 people attended the March 2021 twilight market and for large parts of the year the market adapted to hosting virtual events. Across its seven years of operation, it has raised over $22,000 to go towards local projects.
