Violet Town legend Robbie Rae had a day out at Government House on Wednesday, October 11, where she picked up a Victorian Senior of the Year Award.
Robbie was acknowledged for her tireless commitment to the Violet Town community and her passion for keeping it fit and healthy in the Council of the Ageing Senior Achiever category.
Among her extensive list of volunteer commitments, Robbie has been Violet Town’s VicSwim Regional Coordinator for 32 years and a long-standing member of the Friends of the Pool Committee – a testament to her passion for encouraging seniors to stay active.
As a proud Violet Town Bowling Club member, Robbie encourages children to have fun and learn new skills at social lawn bowls events.
She has also been involved in the Violet Town Action Group supporting the EcoLiving Project and held various roles on the No Toxic Dump Committee.
Robbie is always willing to share knowledge, train future leaders and encourage participation in all events that foster community spirit and reduce isolation.
“I was told a few weeks ago, and I didn’t believe it,” Robbie said.
“Time went on, and as it got closer, it became a reality.”
Robbie is very humble and said while she does a lot of voluntary work, she is just one of many community-minded people in towns across Australia.
“I’ve been the local swimming teacher for 32 years. I used to have to juggle that with work, but now I’m retired, it’s a bit easier.
“I’ve mentored a lot of up-and-coming swim teachers, too.
“Swim teachers need hours of supervised lessons, and I’m more than happy to encourage the new kids on the block whenever I can.
“We need swimming teachers, and we’re desperate for swim teachers. We always have been.
“With all the dams, creeks, rivers, mud holes and floods, it is really important.
“So, on top of VicSwim, I also run my own Robbie’s Swim.
“It’s not about making money. It’s about having the kids safe and knowing how to swim, how to save themselves, and how to get themselves out of trouble if they need to.”
Robbie’s voluntary work also takes out out of the pool
“I was on the Southern Aurora Committee and was involved in stopping the toxic waste dump,” she said.
“I’ve been involved with CFA for 15 years and still jump on the back of the truck when I can.
“I also do fire-safe talks with kids at local schools.”
As if that isn’t enough, she is also on the Violet Town Hall Committee and helps run the Pizza Oven at the town’s monthly market.
Robbie said the day out at Government House was lovely and a great way to celebrate all her hard work.
“We had the best day. The weather was beautiful.
“We took a small contingent as I took some friends with me. There was a lot of people who wanted to come, but sadly I couldn’t take everyone.
“We were presented to the Governor and Minister for Ageing.
“Then we had a little morning tea.”