Vivienne Conn was named Citizen of the Year. 76157 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By Charlene Gatt
THE cream of Maribyrnong’s crop was celebrated on Australia Day at the 2012 Civic Awards, with tireless volunteer Vivienne Conn named the municipality’s Citizen of the Year.
Ms Conn, 58, has been volunteering for the past 12 years after an illness put her off work, and now volunteers more than 100 hours a month as the co-ordinator for the Braybrook Maidstone Neighbourhood House.
She is also the chairperson of the Braybrook, Maidstone and Sunshine Public Tenants Association and coordinates a special weekly fruit and vegetable distribution for 24 local families.
The Maidstone resident was overwhelmed by the accolade.
“There’s so many volunteers in the City of Maribyrnong that do such a great job,” Ms Conn said.
“It was wonderful just to be nominated.
“Volunteering gives me so much joy, it’s about giving back to our community, and my time at the Braybrook Maidstone Neighbourhood House gives me the opportunity to do that.”
Mayor John Cumming said Ms Conn was a natural choice.
“Vivienne is an inspiration, she is a proud Braybrook resident and worthy recipient of our City’s greatest accolade,” Cr Cumming said.
“I congratulate and thank Vivienne and all of our award winners and nominees this year for their contributions.”
Ms Conn was one of 12 inspiring individuals and groups who work tirelessly to improve community life who received awards on the day.
Other award winners included Young Citizen of the Year Elfred Mathiang, Freeza Maribyrnong, the Maribyrnong Makers Group, the Yarraville Trugo Club and Chelsea Hatherall from the Footscray Community Arts Centre.
“Australia Day is the best time to reflect on what makes our country unique and give thanks to those people who help create a connected and thriving community,” Cr Cumming said.
Meanwhile, 18 residents became dinky-di Aussies during a citizenship ceremony held on the day.
