Community excellence: Dookie celebrates outstanding community members

The Filipino Australian Friends Association of Shepparton took the stage, presenting three dance performances by the Salakot, Tiklos and Bulaklakan groups, captivating the audience with their colourful dresses and dances. Beth and Lucy then graced the gathering with beautiful songs, concluding the ceremony with a musical touch.

This year’s ceremony saw Kim Bussell announced as Dookie’s Citizen of the Year, Ruth Horton named Dookie’s Senior Citizen of the Year and Brianna Pleming recognised as Dookie’s Young Citizen of the Year.

The Community Event of the Year went to Dookie’s Men’s Shed.

Brianna Pleming

After being recognised as Greater Shepparton’s Young Citizen of the Year on Thursday night, Brianna Pleming also received Dookie’s Young Citizen of the Year award on Saturday, much to her disbelief.

“It feels strange! I didn’t think I was going to receive any awards, but I am grateful,” she said.

Brianna has been actively engaging in community service in Dookie, mirroring her late mother’s involvement. Transitioning from a netball player to a volunteer, she umpires football games and assists the Dookie Show Society. Brianna generously dedicated her time over two weeks to ensure the event ran smoothly.

Despite losing her mother in 2021, she obtained her driver’s licence, completed Year 12 in 2023 and showcased a commendable work ethic.

In a candid interview, Ms Pleming revealed her aspirations.

“I want to follow in my mum’s footsteps,” she said.

“She always helped out!

“My mum was part of the Lions Club; she helped at the primary school and all their events, and I wanted to follow her steps and make her proud.”

Ms Pleming’s late mother serves as a “continual source of inspiration”, driving her to contribute positively to her community.

Greater Shepparton and Dookie’s Young Citizen of the Year awards exemplify Ms Pleming’s quiet determination to honour her mother’s legacy through selfless acts, embodying the essence of community spirit.

The accolades recognise Ms Pleming’s efforts and dedication to community service and highlight the enduring power of familial influence.

The Plemings celebrated Brianna’s achievements with a dinner on Thursday night.

Ruth Horton

Ruth Horton, a distinguished member of the Dookie community, received the prestigious Senior Citizen of the Year Award, a well-deserved recognition for her outstanding contributions spanning several aspects of community life.

Since 2017, Mrs Horton has played a vital role as a dedicated member of the Dookie RSL sub-branch, overseeing merchandise sales for significant events such as Remembrance Day and Anzac Day. Her passion for promoting the importance of these events and the vibrant community of Dookie has been unwavering over the years.

Beyond her involvement, Mrs Horton has been a key contributor to the transformative initiatives of the Dookie and District Development Forum, such as the creation of the Dookie Rail Trail and the modernisation of CWA Gardens.

Even after receiving the Senior Citizen of the Year Award, Mrs Horton’s dedication remained evident as she actively sold Dookie merchandise.

Reflecting on the unexpected honour, Ruth expressed her gratitude and humility.

“The award was a surprise, and I am humbled and extremely grateful to the people who have nominated me,” she said.

“She emphasised the profound realisation that comes with such recognition.

“When you get an award like this, you realise that you are part of a whole, and the community is really what makes it tick,” she said.

Mrs Horton takes great pride in representing Dookie and Greater Shepparton, recognising the vibrancy of Dookie, a town that “seems quiet” but where a “vibrant community” can be found if you scratch the surface.

Concluding with gratitude for the unexpected honour, Mrs Horton eloquently declared: “Helping others is rewarding.”

Valda Dickens

Kim Bussell

Mia Ludeman