By Casey Neill
Warburton’s Suyin Chan received an Australia Day award for her tireless community work.
Yarra Ranges Council awarded her the Ian De La Rue Award for Community Leadership.
“To me it’s a normal thing to do,” she told the Mail.
“I was very shocked and gobsmacked.”
Her award citation said Ms Chan was very well-known in the Upper Yarra community for her tireless work in many different areas.
“She has been the organisational backbone to countless events and programs in the Upper Yarra,” it said.
“Suyin has touched and improved many lives, has provided training and employment for many in the area and her work has inspired others to take up the mantle of volunteering.”
This includes the Warburton Primary School fund-raiser Springfest, the creation of the Koha Community Cafe, the Remakery Group, helping to campaign for the Warburton Skate Park, Warburton Community Space and Community Garden and her work in co-ordinating volunteers and exhibitions at the Warburton Water Wheel.
Her nominator said “her life is a testament of giving to the community”.
Ms Chan told the Mail that she’d called Warburton home for 30 years this year and her efforts were just being part of the community.
“Everyone’s really friendly,” she said.
“You walk down the street and everyone says hello.”
