Charlotte Varcoe
KATHY Fennell has been announced as the Australia Day Wattle Range Council Riddoch Ward Citizen of the Year.
Ms Fennell is known throughout the Penola and Coonawarra region for her extensive commitment to sporting and community groups across many decades.
Currently, the avid volunteer supports a number of community events and groups including the Penola Agricultural and Horticultural Show, the Penola Coonawarra Acoustic Music Festival, the Penola Rodeo committee and is also secretary of the McCorquindale Park committee.
“I never expected to receive this award and was very surprised when I was told,” Ms Fennell said.
“I was actually gobsmacked because you don’t participate in these kinds of things for the awards.”
Ms Fennell had been involved in community groups since she was a child, and said the Red Cross was her stepping stone into volunteering.
“My sons were also involved in a lot of sports including football and cricket so I was also involved with those as well,” she said.
“I am excited to receive the award, but I don’t participate in committees for the awards, and I am sure there are a lot of people in the region who are also eligible, however I do feel very privileged to be chosen.”
Ms Fennell thanked her family for the support across the years, and said they had been behind her with whatever she had been involved with.
“I would also like to thank the general community as well,” she said.
“We have a lovely little town here, and I love living here and doing what I do.”
In addition to Ms Fennell, the Stand Like Stone Fashion Market will receive the Community Event of the Year award for Riddoch Ward.
The awards will be presented at Penola’s Australia Day function on Wednesday, January 26, at War Memorial Park with a breakfast beginning at 8am followed by the awards at 9am.
