Valerie (Val) Wilson

Valerie, affectionately known as Val, is the epitome of community spirit — a dedicated volunteer whose tireless efforts have enriched the lives of countless people in Korumburra, Bena, and beyond. A quiet achiever with an unwavering commitment to service, Val has spent decades giving her time, skills, and energy to a wide range of community groups, always working behind the scenes to make things happen.

Val’s journey of service began while raising five children on her family’s dairy farm. She actively supported her children’s schools through fundraising, catering, and advocating for facility upgrades, often stepping into leadership roles when needed. Her involvement extended to the Bena Tennis Club, where she not only played but mentored and coached junior players, fostering a love of sport and teamwork.

Today, Val continues to make an extraordinary impact through multiple roles:

Korumburra Uniting Church Treasurer for over 20 years, managing finances and coordinating catering for countless events.
Korumburra Croquet Club President, now in her third term after serving as Treasurer for three years.
Korumburra Lions Club Membership Chairperson, contributing to fundraising and catering for more than 30 years.
Carinya Lodge Aged Care Auxiliary Member for 16 years, regularly visiting residents and supporting their wellbeing.
Bena Hall Committee Member for over 30 years, helping maintain and improve this much-loved community space.
Agriculture and Pastoral Society Ladies Auxiliary for more than two decades, and still assisting with catering at annual events after 25 years.

Val’s exceptional organisational skills, reliability, and strong work ethic make her an invaluable asset to every group she serves. Her catering for community events — large or small — is renowned for its quality. She approaches every task with meticulous planning and a commitment to excellence, ensuring events run smoothly and successfully.

Beyond her practical contributions, Val is a natural mentor who encourages others to step into roles that suit their strengths, offering guidance and support along the way. Her pride in presentation extends to beautifying community spaces, maintaining gardens, and ensuring facilities are welcoming and well-kept.
Val’s caring and compassionate nature shines through in everything she does. She is approachable, good-humoured, and deeply committed to helping others, making her a respected and beloved figure in the community. Her decades of service, leadership, and generosity exemplify the very best of what it means to be a Citizen of the Year.