2024 South Gippsland Citizen of the Year

Volunteering is the backbone of a thriving community, and recognising those who dedicate their time and effort to helping others is crucial. One inspiring individual has been involved in numerous organisations since moving to Meeniyan in 2003, Kathryn Smith.

We recently sat down with Kathryn, nominee and winner of the 2024 South Gippsland Citizen of the Year award, to discuss her volunteer journey and her experience as a nominee for this distinguished award.

Kathryn’s journey began after the loss of her late husband, John, which left her searching for new ways to fill her time. She found solace and a sense of belonging by caring for a lady in Melbourne, which in turn - sparked her love for helping people, especially those in her hometown. Embraced by the community, she has remained actively involved with the Meeniyan Christian Fellowship, Meeniyan Area Community  Shop (MACS), Meeniyan Community Garden and Meeniyan Progress Association Inc, dedicating countless hours to volunteering.

When asked what motivates her community spirt, Kathryn shares that it’s her faith and involvement with Meeniyan Christian Fellowship that provides her with strength, joy, and hope for the future. She finds immense delight in her faith and considers it a blessing that fuels her passion for service.

Volunteering at the Community Op Shop has brought Kathryn numerous memorable moments, from meeting people from all walks of life to witnessing the shop’s extraordinary impact. Kathryn shared that over 17 years, the shop has contributed nearly one million dollars back into the community.

As a former President and current member of the Meeniyan Progress Association Inc., she takes pride in several achievements including – contributing to the community plan, and listening to and understanding the community’s needs.

One of the most significant impacts of her volunteer work has been the friendships she has formed. Despite being older, she has a diverse group of friends and tell us she “may be alone [but] never lonely.

Balancing various volunteer activities and personal commitments can be challenging, but she manages by doing what she can when she can, living a busy and fulfilling life. Her advice to those considering community service for the first time is simple: “it’s not a life sentence. Even small acts like picking up rubbish can make a big difference. Volunteering offers a chance to meet a cross-section of people, network, and gain valuable experience, especially for young people looking to build their careers.”

When it comes to nominations, Kathyrn is humble and often feels she doesn’t do anything special. However, she was thrilled and honoured by the recognition. Winning 2024 South Gippsland Citizen of the Year, left her speechless, as well as overwhelmed by the support and kind words from the community.

When asking Kathryn why she believes it’s important to nominate people for the upcoming South Gippsland Australia Day Awards, she tells us it’s crucial to recognise our regions unsung heroes. “Many wonderful people do extraordinary things, and their efforts often go unnoticed.” The nomination process is simple and provides a win-win situation, highlighting kindness and fostering a sense of appreciation but also inspiring others to get involved, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the community.

If you know someone who volunteers or contributes significantly to our community, please consider nominating them for the South Gippsland Australia Day Awards. It’s a simple two-step process, and the recognition can make a meaningful impact on their lives and inspire others. Your nomination could be the encouragement they need to continue their valuable work.

Nominate Here