Deb Fowler and Jeff Stanyer were named joint winners of the Numurkah Citizen of the Year award at the town’s Australia Day ceremony.
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A resident of Numurkah for about 13 years, Mr Stanyer was recognised for his volunteer work with many different groups in the town.
They include being the secretary and welfare officer of the Numurkah RSL and the Goulburn Valley Vietnam Veterans Association.
Mr Stanyer is also the secretary of the Numurkah Agricultural Society and is involved with Meals on Wheels.
He also visits the elderly in their homes and aged care facilities.
Mr Stanyer said he was surprised but pleased to receive the honour.
He especially noted how he was one among many who did volunteer work in the town.
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Tuck in: Numurkah local Forest Stanyer enjoying a hamburger in bread at his town's Australia Day celebrations. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 14
Celebrate: Beverley Wayne, Hilda Pfitzner and Lorraine Farrar at Australia Day festivities in Numurkah. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 14
Workers: The Numurkah Lions Club members served breakfast at the Numurkah Australia Day celebrations. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 14
Proud: Win Knight and Penny Aston celebrated Australia Day at Numurkah. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 14
Hungry: Archer, 9, and Allegra Mitchell, 13, with dog Homer, enjoyed the Numurkah Australia Day celebrations. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 14
Time out: Many people took a seat to watch the town band and award winners to be read out at Numurkah's Australia Day celebrations. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 14
Start: Peter Cox raised the Australian flag at the Numurkah Australia Day celebrations. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 14
Happy: Rotary members Julie Andrew and Kate Hodge represented Numurkah Rotary Club in receiving the Arts/Culture/Environment Project of the Year award. Photo by Megan FisherImage 9 of 14
Pleased: Katunga Football Netball Club president Stacey Weeks collected the Community Organisation of the Year, presented to the Katunga Football Netball Club. Photo by Megan FisherImage 10 of 14
All smiles: Numurkah Rotary Club president Gary Phillips and secretary Jennifer Rodgers show off the Community Event of the year award for the 'Love your Sister' fundraising dinner. Photo by Megan FisherImage 11 of 14
Music: Numurkah Town Band provided entertainment at the Numurkah Australia Day Awards. Photo by Megan FisherImage 12 of 14
Award: Jeff Stanyer was named Citizen of the Year. Photo by Megan FisherImage 13 of 14
Winner: Deb Fowler was named Numurkah Citizen of the Year. Photo by Megan FisherImage 14 of 14
Winners: Numurkah Rotary's Kate Hodge, Jeff Stanyer, Numurkah Rotary's Gary Phillips and Deb Fowler show off their awards at the Numurkah Australia Day awards. Katunga football/netball club president Stacey Weeks was absent from the photo. Photo by Megan FisherMs Fowler works as the manager at Numurkah Community Learning Centre and is also a volunteer shelter operator with Bohollow Wildlife Shelter.
While her job as manager of Numurkah Community Learning Centre is a paid one, Ms Fowler puts in plenty of unpaid voluntary hours too.
“I work with the community, especially those who are isolated and need support,” she said.
Ms Fowler said part of her role was finding people with ideas to help the community and then working out ways to make that a reality.
The services run by the centre include the community house, visitor information point, a craft shop, childcare facilities, a training organisation and there is a lunch for people who are alone at Christmas.
With Bohollow Wildlife Shelter, she runs a shelter at Kotupna, rescuing, raising and rehabilitating Australian wildlife.
She has been a wildlife volunteer with the organisation for 20 of its 25 years.
Ms Fowler is quick to point out that volunteers are needed at both organisations to keep them going.
“It’s not possible to do what we do just by ourselves,” she said.
Ms Fowler was pleased with her award but said she found it “a little embarrassing”.
“I just try to do everything quietly,” she said.
“I’m honoured someone thought enough of me to nominate me.”
Also in the Numurkah Australia Day awards, the Katunga Football Netball Club was named the Organisation of the Year.
The Rotary Club of Numurkah took out the Community Event of the Year with Love Your Sister Community Dinner, as well as the Arts/Culture/Environment Project of the Year with the club’s 41st annual Arts and Craft Exhibition.