Shirlee Burge has been formally recognised for her role as a health advocate for the region, being presented with the NSW Government Community Service Award on Wednesday.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton said she nominated Mrs Burge to reward her efforts in fighting for better community services.
She said it was also a chance to show Mrs Burge that ‘‘you and your advocacy doesn’t go unnoticed’’.
‘‘Shirlee has been an active community member for the past 40 years, passionately advocating for better health services in her home town of Deniliquin,’’ Mrs Dalton said.
‘‘She was awarded a Life Governorship of the Deniliquin Hospital and is on the local Health Advisory Group.
‘‘With her passion for her community Shirlee always puts her hand up to volunteer and is always available to assist whenever necessary.
‘‘She has been on many community committees and was involved in establishing the Naponda Community Store which is a non-profit organisation that donates profits to the Deniliquin Hospital.
‘‘Shirlee has been a moving force in the community especially when it comes to the need for paediatric and oncology services in Deniliquin and has also rallied to have a new hospital for the area.
‘‘Having community members like Shirlee Burge is an asset to any small rural town, as they fight for the needs of the community.’’
Mrs Burge was not the only community member honoured by Mrs Dalton when in Deniliquin on Wednesday.
Some of the region’s dedicated volunteers have been officially recognised in NSW Parliament and were presented with their Community Recognition Statement certificates on Wednesday.Intereach Community Transport Deniliquin volunteer drivers Barry Macauley, Barbara Finn, Daryl Whateley and Neville Lester were all recognised, having each served the Deniliquin community for a decade through the Intereach program.
Lloyd Polkinghorne of Barham, a third-generation mixed irrigator turned newspaper editor, was recognised for the awareness he has brought against the Murray Darling Basin Plan and the voice he has given to regional families through ‘Lloyd’s Walk For Water’ in 2020.
Ann-Marie Hay was awarded for her contribution as a community educator for more than 40 years in education, before her retirement last year.
Each of the award recipients was treated to light afternoon tea outside Mrs Dalton’s office in Cressy St following the presentations.
11°C