Category Local Hero Show all
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Local Hero Diana Fisher: On the trail for healthy hearts.
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Happy Wanderers Heart Foundation Walking Group Lub-dub. Lub-dub. Crunch. Crunch. The rhythmic beating of hearts and crunching of leaves – these are the sounds of over 30 members of the Kalamunda Heart Foundation’s Walking Group setting off for their morning hike along the Railway Heritage Trail, Kalamunda.
This week’s walk followed a City of Kalamunda Local Hero Award presentation by Mayor Margaret Thomas JP to one of the volunteer walk-leaders, Diana Fisher.
Diana has been leading the Kalamunda Heart Foundation Walking Group weekly for over 10 years with the group going from strength to strength and building to over 50 members. Along with co-leaders Margaret Watson, John Sharp and Derek Bracken, Diana motivates community members to keep moving and improve their health and wellbeing. Diana is known for her inclusiveness, efficiency, professionalism, and being a strong motivator. She is respected within the Kalamunda Walking Group, the National Heart Foundation of Australia, and City of Kalamunda.
“Although my name is on this award, I accept it on behalf of Margaret Watson, John Sharp, Derek Bracken and every member of the Happy Wanderers Heart Foundation Walking Group," said Diana.
The Heart Foundation’s Walking program is Australia’s largest free walking network, catering for walkers of different ages, abilities, and endurance levels. The weekly walks conclude with a social chat and coffee at one of the local cafes.
Mayor Margaret Thomas JP commented, “Being active and involved is one of the best things we can do to keep our mind and bodies healthy.”
“We are fortunate to have so many quality walking and cycling trails here in the City of Kalamunda - from Grade1, flat, easy-walk trails for people with no hiking experience, to Grade 5 for experienced self-reliant hikers”.
Happy Wanderers Heart Foundation Walking Group (📷 Mark Fisher) -
Senior Local Hero Eileen Stark: Growing healthy spaces with local youth.
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City of Kalamunda resident, Eileen Stark was presented with a Senior Local Hero Award at a recent Adopt a Patch bush-care session held with students from High Wycombe Primary School.
Ms Stark was acknowledged for her volunteer work nurturing her local community for over 30 years, most recently as Friends Group Coordinator for Markham Road Reserve, High Wycombe; and earlier as a volunteer with the local Girl Guides and being instrumental in establishing the Kindergarten in High Wycombe.
Ms Stark is a passionate advocate for the preservation of Blancoa canescens (Winter Bell) a plant species native to the area, growing cocky food, bee keeping and educating young people about caring for the environment.
Under Ms Stark’s guidance the students spent the session learning about the importance of weeding, watering; planting over 50 native seedlings and creating a healthier space for them and their families to grow up in.
Mayor Margaret Thomas JP commented, “We are fortunate to have members of our community who share their knowledge, passion, experience and time investing in our youth and actively caring for the environment”.
Caption: Senior Local Hero, Ms Eileen Stark with High Wycombe Students, City of Kalamunda Environmental Education and Engagement Officer, Ms Taylor, and Uncle Neville Collard. -
Cooper Rullo standing out as the modern-day hero
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Inclusive. Positive. Genuine. Nominated for aiming to be the best he can be and having a never give up attitude. These were the words used to describe Mazenod College student, Cooper Rullo who was awarded a City of Kalamunda Young Local Hero at his recent school assembly.
Classroom teacher, Ms Jessica Hewett asked her Year 9 English Extension class to explore what it means to be heroic in contemporary Australia and suggested they submit their responses to the City’s Local Hero Award website.
“Part of this unit involves selecting someone in their own world that reflect values of equality, perseverance, integrity and community-service, and creating a persuasive presentation to celebrate that person,” said Ms Hewett.
“This year, I thought it would be fantastic to have students take their classroom learning and put it into practice in a ‘real-world’ situation. Not only could they engage with their learning in a meaningful way, they were also able to properly recognise the positivity that others bring to our region.”
Nominated for staying positive even when times were challenging, Cooper is recognized for supporting his peers, lending a helping hand, and ensuring everyone is included and has a fair go. In his local neighbourhood he looks out for his neighbours assisting them with their gardening and mowing and taking the time to chat with them, showing his genuine nature and approachability.
Cooper was actually quite shocked but chuffed when he received his Local Hero Award, saying, “I can’t believe I actually won. I don’t feel like I’m a hero or anything like that”.
“Nate [who nominated Cooper] and I are going to split the award. He’s my hero too”.
Mayor Margaret Thomas JP disclosed, “Reading all the student responses was an absolute joy. It is refreshing to see that our youth recognises that their Local Heroes are the everyday people in their local communities”.
“It just goes to show your modern-day hero is likely standing right next to you. I would encourage others to do the same and look at the people that enrich their lives as they live, work and play. In addition to thanking them face-to-face, they are also encouraged to nominate them for a City of Kalamunda Local Hero Award available each month, in one of four categories.”
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Local Hero Bruce Glover: Innovator, Educator and Conservation Volunteer
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Bruce Glover, an active volunteer member of the Hugh Sanderson Reserve and Ray Owen Reserve Friends Groups for over 20 years was awarded one of the City of Kalamunda’s Senior Local Community Hero Awards. Nominated for looking out for the best interests of the reserves, Mr Glover developed a watering technique to ensure the survival of newly planted native vegetation in the drier months. As Coordinator of the two Friends Groups, he shares his design and knowledge with other volunteers, school and community groups, encouraging everyone to be actively involved in caring for their local native spaces.