Angel of hope
Angel of hope
January 31, 2007
Section: News
Shelharbour chooses its Citizen of the Year
By Mairi Manley
Shellharbour Citizen of the Year
There are a lot more people out there more worthy of this title than I, was the response from a shocked and delighted Lyn Watkins when she was named Shellharbour Citys Citizen of the Year last Friday.
The modest champion for the Angels of Hope program has been recognised for her extraordinary energy and commitment to the organisation that has raised $100,000 to provide mental health programs in local schools and other areas in need of assistance.
It was an honour to stand with all the other finalists and I feel that I accept this honour on behalf of them and all the other tremendous community members so deserving of the title Citizen of the Year.
I see them all as citizens of the year.
I will do my best to live up to it.
Ms Watkins said it was the nature of the people of Shellharbour to embrace challenges in a bid to help others.
I share with them a compulsion to help others and the joy that comes when it is achieved.
I was born to help others and steer them in the right direction and I love it, she told the Lake Times.
Ms Watkins said her deepest thanks went to the Australia day Committee for choosing her, those who nominated her and to Shellharbour City Council.
She has also worked extensively with the Lake Illawarra PCYC, and spends many volunteer hours implementing youth orientated projects.
She is involved with the Ladies Auxiliary Group at Albion Park, raising money for community groups associated with the group, such as the Diggers Rest Home and the Benevolent Society.
Ms Watkins works at WCET at Coniston
CEO, Gai-Ellen Palmer has congratulated her, commending her for her work in building strong and meaningful relationships with unemployed and disadvantaged people and for encouraging and supporting them in making positive life choices.
We are fortunate to have Lyn on our team, Ms Palmer said.
Its wonderful to see her many years of commitment recognised this way by the community she has given so much to.