By Tricia Mifsud
Community members who went above and beyond for others during the pandemic were recognised at the inaugural ‘My COVID Hero’ community awards last week.
Presented by Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell, Kilmore Racing Club and the North Central Review, nominations were submitted to the organisers outlining why nominees deserved special recognition for their service to others over the past two years.
Broadford police officers, Ferguson Plarre Kilmore manager Sarah Meakins, Kilmore District Health staff, Seymour Health staff and Kilmore SES Unit members were in attendance at Kilmore Trackide on Tuesday evening to receive team awards.
Among award recipients who were unable to attend were members from Kilmore CFA.
Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell president Steve Ansell said the awards were an opportunity to express thanks to those when sometimes it was easy to forget to show true gratitude.
“Amid lives many twists and turns, we can overlook an opportunity to show our gratitude for those who amplify a true spirit of service. Not tonight,” he said.
“Since the COVID outbreak, community members have worked more diligently than ever.
“From those regarded as classically involved in service through the individuals who have demonstrated what some call random acts of kindness, each of you made a manifest commitment to service about self.”
Mr Ansell added even when nominees thought they were just going about their regular business, supporting the community in such a tough time, there was at least one person that noticed their efforts and thought they deserved recognition.
“It’s because of your quiet courage, because of your dedication, because of your spirit, coupled with your actions. You rose each day, at times no doubt exhausted from the bramble-filled day or days just gone, and allowed thge spitit of serive to remain indiluted,” he said.
“You answered the whispered prayer of someone in need … and your community is filled with gratitude beyond your knowing.”
