MARGARET Muller’s long-time dedication to her home community of Penola will be recognised with Wattle Range Council’s prestigious Riddoch Ward Australia Day citizen of the year award.
The passionate volunteer has been awarded the significant accolade after years of community service with Penola High School and Mary MacKillop Penola Centre.
Ms Muller, who taught at the high school for almost two decades, is well known for writing the interpretive centre’s exhibition information.
She was proud to have been nominated for the award, labelling it a great honour.
“In a community like Penola where there are so many people who do so much voluntarily, it is a big honour to be considered,” she said.
“I am very passionate about the Mary MacKillop Penola Centre and think it is a special place which means a lot to many people.
“I love doing history and I also do historical and literacy coach tours.”
“I just believe the centre is a wonderful place where we celebrate brilliant local people,” Ms Muller said.
Along with her passion for history, Ms Muller has long celebrated the rich culture of the region and was an original member of the Penola Festival – now known as the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival.
Ms Muller and husband Peter moved to Penola in 1982 and originally planned to live in the area for a short period.
However, the pair were charmed by the town’s community spirit and culture and settled in for the long term.
Ms Muller praised the varied community groups in Penola and said volunteering was crucial in ensuring the town was the best it can be.
“Community groups such as the Lions Club, the Men’s Shed and the many other groups around Penola is what makes this town a community,” she said.
“Community work is crucial and it is very rewarding because you are doing something good without getting paid.”
Ms Muller will receive the award at Penola’s Australia Day celebration (January 26), along with Event of the Year recipients Pink Up Penola and youth winner Brooke Hutchesson.
A pre-award breakfast will be held at 8am at the War Memorial Park before the 9am award presentation.
