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Mardi Symons is Latrobe’s Senior Citizen of the YearMardi Symons of Traralgon South has been announced as Latrobe City's Senior Citizen of the Year. The award was announced recently, as the Victorian Seniors Festival 2008 drew to a close. By Latrobe City - 24th October 2008 - Back to News Latrobe City mayor, Cr Lougheed, presented Ms Symons with her award in front of family members and a large gathering at Kernot Hall, congratulating her on outstanding community service to the Traralgon South and District Association and numerous other organisations over many years.
"The person we have chosen as this year's award recipient has given outstanding community service over a broad range of activities over many years. She remains an active volunteer to this day with a long list of community involvement."
"Margaret ‘Mardi’ Symons has been a powerhouse in the community, playing an active role in the Traralgon Horticultural Society for 40 years and serving as Garden Club secretary. She was foundation secretary for the Callignee CWA in 1953 and has remained involved for 55 years; is current vice president of the Traralgon Agricultural Society with 30 years of service; and is secretary of the Traralgon South Tennis Club, with involvement for 40 years," Cr Lougheed explained.
"Mardi has always exhibited a passion for her farm property and for improving its productive and environmental aspects. This passion has led to close involvement with neighbours and young people in projects that have set some fine examples in land management.
"Pupils from numerous schools have visited her farm over the years and gained inspiration from her enthusiasm. VCAL students from Lavalla Catholic College have been undertaking tree planting and fencing projects with Mardi on her property as part of their curriculum. South Gippsland Special School students were hosted for farm experience and to provide respite for families; and Mardi has spent the last ten years serving on the Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan steering committee for Traralgon Creek, to enhance the waterway and streamside environment."
Cr Lougheed said Ms Symons exhibited care and community mindedness across a broad spectrum of interests, ranging from her work with the local community to bettering the lives of those in other countries.
"Mardi’s work in the local community is legendary. She is currently secretary of the Traralgon South Hall Committee and has had a 30 year involvement. She has a 28 year involvement with the Traralgon South Church Committee, serving as secretary since 1992; and has a 15 year involvement with the Traralgon South and District Association.
"Amazingly, she manages to fit even more into her busy life - serving with the Girl Guide Association as a commissioner for five years; has been a qualified judge in general horticulture, judging at local shows; and has had 40 years involvement with Community Aid Abroad, benefiting those in other lands."
"I know the whole community joins with me in honouring Mardi with this award as a token gesture of thanks for the dedication and passion for community service she has espoused."
Ms Symons was presented with a clock, flowers and certificate, marking the announcement as Senior Citizen of the Year. She was one of eight nominees for the award.
Cr Lougheed also presented all other nominees with a Certificate of Recognition. "When looking at our nominees for this prestigious award, it amazes council to see the depth of talented seniors we have in Latrobe City and the level of commitment and contribution they have made," Cr Lougheed said.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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