By Renee Wood
Two HICCI volunteers have been honoured with a Special Recognition Certificate for the 2021 Casey Volunteer Awards by MP Tony Smith.
John Robinson and Marilyn King have been recognised for their service to HICCI’s weekly community dinner held on Tuesday nights – Dinner at Darrons.
Ms King was part of starting the community meal in 2005 when she heard of another soup kitchen style event happening in Yarra Junction.
“It took about eight months to get it moving but I was determined to get it going,” Ms King said.
Through support from other church members, HICCI, the Salvation Army and various local businesses, the community meal was up and running.
Fast forward 17 years and the vital weekly dinner is still operating, with Ms King and Mr Robinson known as two welcoming, friendly faces to many regulars and new people a like.
“I’m in a position where I can go each week and I just love it, you get something that you’re really passionate about so you want to keep contributing.”
Ms King said Mr Robinson is her partner in crime and has been a fabulous support over the years.
“He looks after and welcomes everyone every night and tells a couple of jokes to get everyone in a good more and he’s just been fabulous to volunteer with.”
The special recognition came at a shock to the both of them but it was nice to receive the acknowledgement.
“It’s a big team effort, I can’t do it without HICCI, we can’t do it without the volunteers and we can’t do it without people’s generosity.
“It’s a small thing but we really feel that we’ve made a difference in some people’s lives.
“I just thank god every week that we never run out of food, we’ve really been blessed.”
Mr Robinson has also been honoured for the award in regards to his service to the Rotary Club of Healesville for 20 years.
MP Tony Smith said he’s had the priviledge of recognising nearly 300 individuals and 50 local groups for these significant Casey awards and recipients over the past seven years.
“We are extremely fortunate to have so many outstanding people working in and for our community who deserve recognition for their hard work, energy and passion to support others; often caring for those most in need,” he said.
Other Casey Volunteer & Community Awards Recipients for 2021 include:
Special recognitions:
Leonie Turner of Hoddles Creek
Susan Hotton of Yarra Junction
Hannah Harris of Lilydale
Volunteer
Chris Clifton of Mt Evelyn
Gary Burgess of Chirnside Park
Jason Leitch of Mt Evelyn
Maria Vassilopoulos of Coldstream
Luke Labatlus of Yarra Junction
Jill A’Vard of Monbulk
Jess Vander Reyden of Wandin North
John Sumner of Mt Evelyn
Stuart Fraser of Mt Evelyn
Lesley Porter of Chum Creek
Chelsey Cooper of Montrose
Jim Brown of Wandin North
Geoff Dawson of Mt Evelyn
Sue Thompson of Kilsyth
Kevin McDonagh of Healesville
Groups
Yarra Ranges Community Support Register
Sassafras and Ferny Creek CFA
Olinda CFA
Kalorama-Mt Dandenong CFA
Mont De Lancey Gardening Group
Yarra Ranges Heritage Network
