THE Commitment to Community Award on Australia Day recognises the unsung heroes of our community.
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Taking home the award this year were sisters Jill Dodwell and Mavis Bracken.
Both retirees, these two ladies are busier than ever assisting in our community.
Together, they work tirelessly and give freely of their time.
For about 30 years Jill cooked for the annual Pony Club Camp in Tumbarumba. An institution in Pony Club circles, the camp is loads of fun. For the past decade Mavis was by her side helping with this. Another sister, Alma Smart has now taken over this task.
Meals on Wheels clients have benefited from their generosity for several years, with the sisters taking them on regular outings and entertaining them in Jill’s home on many occasions.
They have provided meals at the Cootamundra Saleyards every week for at least 15 years, raising thousands of dollars for the Community Chest and Can Assist charities.
Mavis organises and mans a monthly barbecue at IGA and both she and Jill have catered for the campdrafts at Illabo, clearing sales, ram sales, the Art Show and more. Each time the profits are donated to charity with the ladies doing their bit for the betterment of the community.
For the past five years, Jill has opened her home to raise funds for Can Assist by holding an ‘All Day Cuppa’. On this day, Mavis, Jill and Alma donate all of the ingredients needed before whipping up some of the most delicious cakes, slices and snacks.
The All Day Cuppa has raised well over $9000 for Can Assist, a charity very near to the hearts of the sisters with Mavis’ husband Kelvin having passed away from cancer 20 years ago and Jill’s husband Tom a colon cancer survivor.
Their concern for neighbours and community members has seen them driving people to doctor’s appointments, doing shopping and helping out in times of illness by providing meals and helping with household chores.
These ladies go about their business quietly, helping where they can and raising thousands of dollars for people in need.
Accepting the award on Australia Day in Jubilee Park, Jill described it as “the biggest surprise I’ve had in my life”.
“We do what we do because we love it, we couldn’t have it any other way,” Jill said.