Margaret Grasnick is Wellington's Citizen of the year

There’s not much in Wellington and districts that this year’s Citizen of the Year has not been involved in.

and as soon as I start reciting the work undertaken during the past 40 years or so I might let the cat out of the bag.

But it is really important for all of us to hear of the dedication and the work and the achievement performed by this person who has toiled in the many organisations and areas of interest.

Bush Fire Brigade/Rural Fire Service; Wellington Amateur Theatrical Society; Wellington Uniting Church; Wellington Cancer Council; Westhaven; Maranatha House; Girl Guides; Quota International.

Not bad hey… but let me tease out this story a bit more.

Not only a tireless worker, but a pretty good fundraiser too.

The history, as given to me, started in about 1970 as a member of the Neurea Bush Fire Brigade – now Rural Fire Service.. right up to 2007. and recognised with a 25 year service award.

Fundraises for the Wellington Cancer Council and helped organise the Relay for Life.

From 1982 this person has been involved with WATS on and off stage, creating and sewing costumes and management of WATS Place.

Also from 1982 and currently, a member of the Girl Guides and still is active in the local group and recently joined the Guide Trefoil Guild.

Drives the Westhaven bus taking local people with disabilities to work at Dubbo.

But Quota International has taken up much of her time since 1992.

Involved on the catering committee, meals on wheels, president on several stints, but a highlight was the Lieutenant-Governor of the 26th District from 2012-13 and Governor 2013-14.

Her active leadership as an elder, Sunday school teacher, worship team leader while also looking after maintenance of the Uniting Church and its gardens goes without saying.

This lady does not mark-time at anything. and recently volunteered to make breakfast before church as part of a monthly sharing of fellowship.

Since “retiring” in 2009.. although I don’t think retiring is in her vocabulary, she has devoted much of her time as a volunteer at Maranatha House, helping resident with shopping. appointments and organising events.