JEAN STEEL
Jean Steel is a powerful volunteer and beloved member of the Lilydale community.
A life member of the Lilydale Atheneum Theatre after more than 30 years of volunteering, Jean’s contributions to the group have been immortalised with a plaque inside the theatre.
Her contributions with St John the Baptist Church also span more than three decades, and she continually finds opportunities to lend her time and skills to benefit others.
Families have benefitted from her work volunteering with a local playgroup, and she teaches weekly at a Community Craft group to pass her skills on to others.
She has helped to provide a free breakfast to Lilydale Primary School students as part of their Breaky Club, and always creates a warm, friendly and welcoming environment wherever she goes.
After a fight with breast cancer in 2023, Jean has managed to continue her community volunteering for the benefit of others. Her selflessness, especially in the face of an incredibly daunting illness, is an inspiration to others and the community members who nominated her for an award.
For steadfast community commitment, Jean is an incredible and well-deserving recipient of this Certificate of Recognition.
VETERANS FOR FISHING
Ex-service people can face many issues returning to the community, finding a sense of social support and wellbeing and navigating complex mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Veterans for Fishing is a volunteer group of young veterans and ex-service people who have created a social welfare problem and a safe social outlet, which has already assisted hundreds of young veterans and their families.
Established as a sub-committee of the Mt Evelyn RSL Sub-branch, the program encourages participants to get outside to socialise and fish with people from similar backgrounds, all in a relaxed environment that supports their wellbeing.
Having the formal program means that individual welfare needs can be heard and responded to.
As a result, veterans can learn skills, develop friendships and find a structured and supportive group, while improving their physical and mental health.
The program has been so successful it is being offered to first responders. Hundreds of people have benefitted from the program and many more will enjoy the benefits in future years.
To reflect this incredible and targeted community work, Veterans for Fishing is a worthy recipient of this Certificate of Recognition.
