Unsung Heroes - Vic voting

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2009 IGA Community Chest Unsung Heroes Awards Regional Winners for Victoria

	Doris Sargent - Sunnyside House Doris Sargent is well-known to the Camperdown community as a knit-a-holic, a tea-a-holic and a volunteer-a-holic! At 89 years young, Doris volunteers at the Sunnyside House Opportunity Shop twice a week, and has done so since 1968. All money raised through the Sunnyside House Opportunity Shop is distributed to the Sunnyside Aged Care facility and used solely for the benefit of the residents. Doris’ passion and dedication for the community saw her being named a Life Governor of Sunnyside House Inc. in 1979 – a title Doris is extremely proud of! Over the years, Doris has also volunteered for The Salvation Army, and visited countless local hospitals to assist those in need. Amongst all her voluntary work, she still finds time to spend with her four children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren – Doris is a true ‘Unsung Hero’
	Gary Richardson – Chiltern AusKick Gary Richardson is well known in his community as someone you can call upon whenever you need a helping hand. Whatever the task is, you can count on Gary to always give 110%. Gary is captain of the Chiltern Fire Brigade and a leader to the Junior Brigade, coach of the Chiltern Fourths Football Club, coach of the local under 10s and under 12s Auskick teams, a member of the School Board and a volunteer member of the Pre-Ambulance Emergency Response Team – it’s a wonder he has time to fit it all in! Gary also operates a horse stud farm, and has been known to mentor local kids who have dropped out of school, by inviting them to spend time working on his farm. This teaches the kids good work ethics and builds up their self-esteem. At 37 years of age, Gary sets a great example for the local kids, who know he gives up countless hours of his time each week for the good of others. There isn’t much you can’t say about Gary!
	Graeme Higgs - Drouin West Fire Brigade Graeme Higgs has been a volunteer member of the Drouin West Fire Brigade for 36 years, and captain of the group 17 of those years. As Deputy Group Officer of the West Gippsland CFA Group, Graeme was the Strike Team Leader of Team 9581 – a team that bore the brunt of the devastating “Black Saturday” bushfires earlier this year. Throughout the day and well into the night, as the team battled fires Graeme’s leadership qualities were displayed through the calm decisions he made – decisions that saved countless lives! It was largely because of Graeme’s heroic actions on that day that his team was also able to save numerous houses, as well as the Labertouche Hall and Fire Station and countless other buildings. And most importantly, many locals returned to loved ones safe and sound thanks to his efforts. In addition, Graeme is also the Director of the Cemetery Trust, and plays a vital role in the local sporting clubs. Graeme says he just does what he does because he likes doing it!
	Jack O’Connor - Maryborough Nursing Homes In Maryborough, Santa Claus doesn’t only make an appearance in December - Jack O’Connor (or “Jack the Ripper” as he likes to be known) continues his Santa Claus duties well into the winter months. For the last 59 years, Jack has jumped into his Santa Claus suit on more than 80 occasions each year, expecting nothing in return! And, the Santa suit is not the only character. Jack is the first to dress up as a clown, pink pig or a swagman for the good of a local charity. In addition to his countless costume changes, Jack is an active member of the local Lions Club and is first to sell raffle tickets to help raise funds. At times, he has even providing prize funding out of his own back pocket. At 79 years young, Jack who was raised in an orphanage, makes it his mission to assist anyone who needs it, believing it’s all worth it if you can make people smile!
	John Marshall - Deafness Foundation John Marshall has been a passionate volunteer for the Deafness Foundation, an organisation that offers a united voice for the deaf and hearing impaired for more than 21 years. John stepped in and assumed vital roles when the organisation needed assistance, acting as a member of the Board of Management and head of the President’s Auxiliary Committee. In this time, John has worked tirelessly for the benefit of the Foundation, using his skills, time and connections to establish the successful Butterfly Badge Appeal – now the primary source of fundraising for the organisation. John has contributed to countless fundraising activities and special projects over the years and is one of those very rare people who can visualise a great idea, and make it happen! The Deafness Foundation exists today because of the wonderful volunteering efforts and generosity of John Marshall.
	Peter Clarkson – Diamond Creek Scout Group Peter Clarkson has been involved with the Diamond Creek Scout Group for the last 13 years. When the Group Leader decided it was time to retire and no-one willing to take over his position the group faced closure. After eight years Club Leader, Peter put his hand up to become Group Leader and has never looked back! The lively group now boasts more than 100 members. In addition, Peter also volunteers for the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade, averaging more than 120 fire calls each year. He is also an active member of the Diamond Creek Progress Association and the driving force behind ‘The Diamond Creek News’, the Assistant Coach of the Under 19 Hurstbridge footy team, and a member of the safety crew for the V8 Jetboats. Peter dedicates endless hours to support many worthy causes, and he does so without the need or want of a thank you – an unsung hero indeed.
	Peter Thorneycroft - Kinglake Ranges Mens Shed Amid the horror and heartbreak of the devastating Black Saturday bushfires, local tradie, Peter Thorneycroft emerged as a true Aussie hero. Peter is a selfless individual, whose bravery saved the lives of 20 women and children who were sheltering in Kinglake’s National Park Hotel. As his town burned down around him, Peter left his own property when it was under threat - risking his life to ensure others were safe. Dressed in shorts and thongs, he worked tirelessly to douse embers on the roof of the local hotel for almost two hours to prevent it collapsing as the fires burned around him. Quick to point out anyone else would have done the same – in the eyes of the community Peter is a true ‘Unsung Hero’. In addition, Peter also actively volunteers his time to help preserve the local national forest – a cause he is truly passionate about.