By Shelby Brooks
An Upper Beaconsfield volunteer has been celebrated for her work in the community.
Helen Smith won the Cardinia Shire Council’s 2021 Stan Henwood Award at a ceremony at the Cardinia Cultural Centre Thursday 20 May.
Closing out National Volunteer Week, the award presentation and annual volunteer reception acknowledged the work of hundreds of volunteers from more than 500 organisations across the shire.
The Stan Henwood Award recognises achievements in community service and volunteering.
Helen is a highly valued community member, having served on numerous committees over the past 40 years, including the Upper Beaconsfield Association, Upper Beaconsfield Community Hall, Upper Beaconsfield Community Centre (Building and Grounds complex), Upper Beaconsfield Festival Committee and the Village Bell committee.
In recognition of her valued contributions, The Upper Beaconsfield Association awarded her, along with her late husband, Barry, The Citizen of the Year award in 1994.
Helen’s contributions extend beyond membership, and she has been described as someone who energises committees, demonstrates initiative, is a team player and ’the backbone of community life’.
She has also initiated multiple successful grant applications for community projects from Cardinia Shire Council.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen thanked Helen for her generosity, leadership, and overall contribution to her local Upper Beaconsfield community.
“We warmly thank Helen for her long-term dedication to her local community, and feel she is a very deserving recipient of this year’s Stan Henwood Award,” Cr Owen said.
“Those she works alongside describe Helen as a quiet achiever whose in-depth knowledge of Upper Beaconsfield and surrounds reflects her longstanding commitment and contribution to the community.
“She is also said to be always available to those who need her, and when required, offers reliable, insightful, and practical advice. According to her peers, the community could not operate without her.”
