The volunteer work of public and community housing tenants has been celebrated at Parliament House today.
Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley paid tribute to Victoria’s social housing community and their dedication to bringing people together.
Marlene McKay was announced as the recipient of the Frances Penington Award. The Let’s Get Together Group was recognised as this year’s Molly Hadfield Award winner.
Both awards recognise the contribution of public and community housing tenants to their community, by working as volunteers to help connect and support people in their local communities.
Marlene was recognised for her 25 years work with the Park Towers Housing Tenants Association, as the group’s long-serving secretary and occasional chair.
A long-standing advocate for public tenants’ interests, Marlene has developed material in community languages for tenants, and trained and mentored many tenant volunteers.
Shepparton’s Let’s Get Together Group started in 2003 and was formed when older community members identified the need for local activities and outings, coinciding with the start of the Neighbourhood Renewal project in the area.
The group has gone on to expand its activities and fundraising to regional towns and the award acknowledges the group’s sustained voluntary service to older residents in the North Shepparton community.
Pauline Burton also received a special commendation in the Frances Penington Award. Pauline resides at the Ashwood Chadstone Gateway, and has a strong interest in promoting access to affordable food amongst low-income families.
The Frances Penington Award has been presented since 1998 to a tenant or group of tenants, who have voluntarily supported their local community. The Molly Hadfield Award recognises the support provided to older community members.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley
“Every neighbourhood has people working to making a difference in their community through volunteering and supporting other residents – public and community housing tenants are no different.”
“They come from diverse backgrounds and work to bring people together and make their neighbourhoods great places to live.”
“Congratulations to this year’s winners – you’re the sort of people who make our communities better places.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020