Five Wyndham Rotary clubs have recognised several emergency and health services employees with Community Hero awards for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chirnside Cluster of Rotary Clubs, which includes the Hoppers Crossing, Laverton Point Cook, Werribee, Wyndham and Wyndham Harbour clubs, joined together to present the awards.
Wyndham Rotary Club representative Michael Lapiña said that the aim was to celebrate “local heroes who have stepped up over the past 24 months”.
Long-serving Werribee Fire Brigade volunteers were among those who received an award, including husband and wife Darryl and Barbara Wells,
Mr Wells has held several positions in the brigade across 60 years, while Mrs Wells has a Werribee Fire Brigade Auxiliary member for 55 years.
“It’s been a great time and I wouldn’t change it for anything,” she said.
John Phillips was also recognised for 55 years of service with the brigade and Leslie Hannath for 50 years.
Three Wyndham paramedics, Georgia, Jason and Ashley, were given awards too, along with nurses including Chirag, Erleen, Pete and Paula.
“We’re just here each day to support our community and each other,” Ashey said.
Other medical workers recognised included Kate Maren from The Alfred, Dr David Turner from Werribee Mercy, Dr Chamara Dimuthu Hettiarachchi from Mercy Private Clinic and Dr Joe Garra from MyClinic Werribee.
IPC Health chief executive Jayne Nelson was also presented with an award, along with Satya Ramadugu from the JET Australia Foundation.
Mr Ramadugu said that during the pandemic, the foundation has worked with Rotary to feed people in need.
Since the pandemic hit Australia in 2020, the organisation has distributed more than 12,000 grocery parcels.
By Alesha Capone
