Long-serving volunteer Judi Hanlon has been recognised for her selfless contribution to the Shepparton community with the Medal of the Order of Australia this Australia Day.
Ms Hanlon’s involvement in the community continues to this day after decades of work with organisations ranging from the Australian Red Cross and Vision Australia, to the Kiwanis Club of Shepparton Sunrisers and the Euroa and District University of the Third Age, where she is secretary.
“I volunteered for the Sydney Olympics and Commonwealth Games, they were outstanding experiences, but it’s just the regular things you do that bring the rewards and you know you’re helping to make the community a better place,” Ms Hanlon said.
Ms Hanlon has also been involved with the Citizens Advice Bureau, Kids Helpline, Euroa Community Cinema, People Supporting People, Longwood Community Centre, KidsTown, the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre in Melbourne and the Shepparton Driver Training Complex.
“My parents and grandparents were heavily engaged in being part of the Shepparton community and that example was something I wished to follow,” Ms Hanlon said.
“I’ve met some of the most amazing people on the journey.
“If you're with an organisation, it's not just one person — it's a group of people that are dedicated to the same cause that you are.”
Ms Hanlon lived in the Euroa/Longwood district for about 20 years and said a highlight was managing the Euroa Community Cinema for seven years and staying on as a volunteer.
“In that time we went to a digital format and again, working with a bunch of really dedicated volunteers, which makes it so worthwhile,” she said.
Ms Hanlon’s career has seen her work with Strathbogie Shire Council, Euroa Health, the News and the Promotion of Adult Education Centre.
A self-described champion for Sheppparton, Ms Hanlon said she was proud of the community where she was born and bred.
“I just love being here and I think the way Shepparton handled that terrible time with COVID-19 was just amazing,” she said.
“It showed the strength of this community and its versatility, and I think that’s something we’ll remember for a long time.”
Even with her long record of contribution to the community, the Order of Australia honour came as a surprise to Ms Hanlon.
“It's really quite humbling,” she said.
“I was a little bit overwhelmed to start with and it was most unexpected — you don't volunteer for the community and expect to get major awards, I have to say.”