TYPICALLY, ‘local heroes’ are hard-working community volunteers that you don’t hear much about, according to Mirboo North’s Joe Piper, they just get the job done.
He was speaking in glowing terms at Thursday’s Australia Day celebrations about Mirboo North’s Citizen of the Year, Janine Alexander, a full-time working mother of two who has been heavily involved in serving the community since her 37-year-old son Clinton started kinder.
“This all started for me when Clinton started kinder and I put my hand up, as you do, to go on the kinder committee,” said Janine.
It continued on in many leading roles including as treasurer of the Walter Tuck Reserve Committee of Management and Mirboo North Football Netball Club business manager, overseeing major developments for the community, including the community social rooms where the event was being held.
Mr Piper said Janine had played a key role in the construction of the Mirboo North Medical Centre while also contributing in other areas.
Ms Alexander thanked the community for the recognition saying she had learned a lot and really enjoyed the involvement.
“I look at this building and some of the other things I’ve been involved in and hope I’ve helped provide some lasting benefit for the community.
Ms Alexander says she will be stepping back now to complete a masters degree.
The day also congratulated its Young Person of the Year, Alex Banks, for among other things raising $2779 in his own Shave for a Cure initiative.
The inaugural Mirboo North Winterfest in 2022, taking over from the time-honoured Arty Gras event, and attracting more than 4000 people out on an icy cold winter night won the Mirboo North Event of the year.
Ruth Rogan, representing the Mirboo Country Development Incorporated (MCDI), collected the award on behalf of organisers.
Among other dignitaries, including Crs Jenni Keerie, John Schelling, Clare Williams and Adrian Darakai, CEO Keryn Ellis was Monash MP Russell Broadbent who spoke about the previous night’s national awards.
But the best part of the day was the sumptuous spread of homemade cakes, slices, sausage rolls and sandwiches turned on by the members of the Mirboo North Cricket Club.