Arts
7 February, 2024
Volunteers make country towns, says top citizen
JUDE Raftis put out the challenge to people at Wedderburn’s Australia Day ceremony - volunteer in the community. The Loddon Shire’s Citizen of the Year called for fresh faces helping groups around the town. “Country communities are about...
JUDE Raftis put out the challenge to people at Wedderburn’s Australia Day ceremony - volunteer in the community.
The Loddon Shire’s Citizen of the Year called for fresh faces helping groups around the town.
“Country communities are about volunteers,” she said after receiving the award from Cr Dan Straub.
And she also threw out the challenge for Wedderburn to keep working for an aged care facility in the town.
“We won’t give up because we want local people to stay here.”
Jude’s award citation said the 2024 top citizen was an excellent example of the saying if you want something done, ask a busy person.
“Born and raised in Wedderburn, Jude has left her mark on many parts of the town, making Wedderburn a better place to live and inspiring many others to improve their community,” the nomination said.
“She has been a selfless volunteer from a young age whenever someone needs a hand,
“Jude is always there to assist. Additionally, she is a great leader, bringing together people and groups to achieve a positive outcome.”
A life member of the Wedderburn Netball Club, her involvement of 35 years included being a player, coach, president and twice North Central Netball Association president.
She was instrumental in collaborating information and photos for the club’s history book for its 55-year reunion in 2008 – the first ever for the club.
Since joining Wedderburn Lions Club in 2011, Jude has been an integral member and is again serving as president.
It was in that role last Friday that Jude compered the Australia Day ceremony.
Jude has been the chairperson of the aged care sub-committee for many years, making representations to State and Federal Governments to help obtain funding for this initiative.
Her horticultural skills have seen Jude lead and participate in transforming several gardens in the area, landscaping of the Wedderburn Community Centre, native planting at Hard Hill Tourist Reserve and RSL Memorial Garden.
As president of the Wedderburn Cemetery Trust, Jude has been instrumental in maintaining the garden, coordinating installation of seats and helping attract new volunteers.
A talented artist, Jude voluntarily created a beautiful mosaic for the Wedderburn Cemetery for family and friends to enjoy when visiting their loved ones.
During her time as Wedderburn Community House co-ordinator Jude also started the very successful annual Wedderburn Garden Expo.
She is involved in the monthly Tastes of Loddon and supported and encourages Loddon Shire growers and artisans to be part of the monthly Farmers Market.
“Jude contributed many voluntary hours to the Birds Eye View Project, attending meetings, workshops and providing great ideas to help the project come to fruition,” the citation said.
“She further added to the project by creating her own mosaic masterpiece.”
An active member of the RSL, Jude makes herself available for working bees and other duties such as catering and cleaning – always supporting and encouraging others. She has also been appeals officer.