For most of her life Joan Thomas has been extremely active working voluntarily for the best interest of her community.
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Joan, a Yarrawonga Lioness foundation member and passionate Warrina Hostel volunteer, was recognised for her tireless work in the community and was aptly named the 2020 Yarrawonga Citizen of the Year under sunny skies in Kennedy Park on Sunday.
Joan is still an active member of the Lionesses being one of the Turban Angels who makes turbans for free distribution to cancer patients around Australia and overseas. She has also volunteerd for meals on wheels since it started over 40 years ago.
Her passion for cooking and craft has seen her donate much of her time and skill for good causes including assisting at the Warrina Hostel with craft.
Joan was instrumental in initiating the Lioness Craft Expo, which is held every second year, and has been awarded their Lions’ Ian Stockdale Humanitarian Award for her tireless efforts in Lioness activities.
In accepting her award a humble but “speechless” Joan said she was honoured to receive the award.
When the Yarrawonga Chronicle asked her what were some of the most rewarding experiences she has done in her exhaustive time volunteering she mentioned the pleasure of playing the organ for many church groups throughout the community over the last 50 years along with her passion of helping people in need.
“My nursing background has helped me with a lot with what I have done,” Joan said.
And if you thought Joan had every reason to step back a little from her volunteering then think again.
“I’m only 80,” she remarked. “I’m not done yet.”
The Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club were also big winners on the day backing up their win in the Moira Shire Council Awards last week bringing home the Community Event of the Year Award with their annual Easter Tournament and this time taking out Yarrawonga’s same award and also the Community Organisation of the Year Award. Now in its 121st year the annual Easter tennis tournament provides a major economic boost to the community with almost 1,500 registered players and a total of 4,000 people arriving for the event over the four days of Easter.
The Yarrawonga Community Action Group’s Grand Party for a Grand Hall – 60th Anniversary for the Yarrawonga Community Hall was also recognised for their nomination in the community event of the year category.
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