A WOMAN who has become synonymous with the words 'giving' and 'Murrurundi' has been named Upper Hunter Shire's Citizen of the Year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Justine Cooper took out the top honour during the town's Australia Day ceremony on Sunday where she was also awarded Murrurundi Citizen of the Year.
With the assistance of a dedicated group of volunteers, Justine runs Doing it for our Farmers Murrurundi, an organisation which has quickly become the beating heart of the community during the toughest drought in living memory.
The group has been leading the way for over a year when it comes to easing the plight of farmers in the Upper Hunter and surrounds.
They have organised hundreds of food and water deliveries to those doing it tough and their Pop Up Pantry at 27 Mayne Street, Murrurundi, has not only provided thousands of household and grocery items to farmers free of charge, it's become a 'meeting place' for the local community.
"I'm just blown away," Justine told The Advocate.
"I'm so very proud of Doing it for our Farmers Murrurundi to have won the award because it's a combined effort.
"It's the people that help every single day, everybody that comes in here week to week and gives up their time and their energy to help me help our farmers.
"It means so much."
It's been an enormous 12 months for the group and at the conclusion of 2019 their impact in the community was felt far and wide.
Over 100 families benefitted from a community gift giving day organised in the lead up to Christmas, and Justine said the response was overwhelming.
"We had so much support from people all over Australia, from companies and organisations and individuals, we had so many presents - I couldn't believe it," she said.
"In the end we had some left over presents so each resident of Murravale got a little present, the Liverpool Lodge got some hampers and the Murrurundi Youth group were given presents also.
"So it wasn't just the farmers."
Justine was quick to thank the band of passionate volunteers who have put in hours of work to make it all possible - in particular Jenny Loasby, Rosey King, Chris Betts, Rhonda Firth, Wendy Saunders, Michelle Cooper, Margie Cooper, Jodi Wilson and Cathy Murphy.
She also gave a special mention to the Murrurundi Men's Shed, Lions Club and the community who have continued to support her and thanked Heather Ranclaud.
"These people that come in week by week I couldn't do it without them," Justine added.
"And without the support of other Australians we wouldn't be able to do it, we're donation based, so without them we wouldn't be sitting here and have a place that's stocked full for our farmers."
Doing it for our Farmers Murrurundi were the big winners on the day, also receiving the award for Community Group of the Year.
Hardworking volunteer Jenny Loasby also picked up Achiever of the Year for her tireless efforts maintaining stock and opening the pantry doors two days a week to assist farming families.
"When we first started we never thought it would work, we didn't think anyone would come in," Justine added.
"And now in two days and eight hours of being open we're getting up to 40 families come through the doors.
"Which is sad that they do have to come through the doors, but it's fantastic that they do and it's fantastic that this is here to save them a bit of money for other things they need.
"I'm so proud of all our volunteers," she concluded.