Warm pool of gratitude

By Bridget Cook
THE City of Casey made a special presentation and showed a warm gesture to the “committed and kind” president of the Cranbourne Arthritis Support Group last week.
The council named the warm water pool at Casey RACE after Rae Johnson who started the group in 1985 and has been president ever since its inception.
City of Casey mayor Shar Balmes also presented Mrs Johnson with a certification of appreciation for her tireless work with the Cranbourne Arthritis Support Group and the City of Casey at a special presentation in front of her family, friends and group members on Thursday.
As well as being president of the group, Mrs Johnson has also been a board member of the Cranbourne Shire Community Services, involved in the auspice of the group by the Cranbourne Community Health Centre, appointed to the Community Advisory Board in Cranbourne and was an integral part of the planning of the new Casey RACE and its warm water pool.
The Cranbourne Arthritis Support Group, which meets twice a week, not only supports people with arthritis but it raises much-need funds for a number of community groups and organisations.
Group member Audrey Mutton approached Casey councillor Amanda Stapledon with the idea to name the pool after Mrs Johnson.
“It’s because of her hard work that I came up with this idea, but an idea’s no good without co-operation,” Ms Mutton said.
“She’s been our inspiration for so many years – the glue that has held the group together.
“This is just a wonderful recognition for a wonderful lady.”
Cr Stapledon said the naming of the pool, which the group used, was a fitting and deserving gesture to acknowledge all Mrs Johnson has done and to say thank you.
“I wish to say on behalf of those present, and so many others, that you are considered to be an outstanding woman, full of determination, commitment, kindness and purpose and with an ability to truly make a difference,” she said.
“You have a gift of bringing people together and creating a sense of community.
“You then energise and mobilise those around you to provide much needed support and assistance to needy and worthwhile causes.
“As your husband so beautifully put it, ‘Rae doesn’t tell people what to do, she asks them and they do it’.”
The humble Mrs Johnson said that never in a million years did she expect anything like this.
“I couldn’t have done this all on my own,” she said.
“I have a wonderful family and husband to support me and the most wonderful committee and members as well.
“We all work together and as a team. There’s not one person I’ve ever asked to do something that has refused. It’s just not me who gets this honour, it’s everyone who helps.”