WELL DONE MUM: Surrounded by family Mansfield Citizen of the Year, Betty Stinson, is congratulated by (from left) her grandson Nicky, daughter Kate Canterbury, son-in-law Tony and grandson Jay.

Award recipient highlights the need for volunteers

Written by By PAM ZIERK-MAHONEY.

MANSFIELD’S Australia Day Citizen of the Year, Betty Stinson, expressed the importance of having physical activities for the aging population and the needs for volunteers at the Australia Day ceremonies last Thursday.

After being officially presented with her certificate and a gift she acknowledged the privilege of being a volunteer in such a responsive community.

"After working for some years in aged care, the emotional needs, and the way people view the ageing process, has become apparent," Mrs Stinson said.

"It is important that we have the opportunity to be physically active and mentally stimulated, in a supportive environment."

Mrs Stinson has been involved, and often instrumental, in the formation of activities such as lifeball, badminton and table tennis as well as strength training and pole walking.

She was an inaugural member of the croquet club set up in 2011 and thanked Mansfield Shire Council for its help in establishing the club.

Among her other activities are her involvement with the U3A group and the bridge club and encouraged anyone who wanted to take up an activity to contact the shire’s ‘active community’ department.

"All our activities are non-competitive, so there are no points to be gained or prizes to be won - we just get together to keep healthy and have fun," Mrs Stinson said.

She was presented with her certificate and gift from Rotary Club of Mansfield president, Peter Hunt.

Young Citizen of the Year Hannah Gillard spoke beautifully on presentation of her award by Lions Club president, Bob Anstee.

Ms Gillard thanked the Australia Day committee for her award, for those who supported her in her endeavors and other nominees - showing she is a very worthy ambassador for the Mansfield community and in particular the youth.

And the Goughs Bay Sports Day representative, Judy Campbell, not only thanked her husband, but the whole of the Goughs Bay community for their untiring support over the past 10 years.

She was presented with her certificate by Apex Club president, Brayden Souter.