It’s all beyond the call of duty

By Sarah Schwager
CASEY’S Non-Resident of the Year has proven her mark locally by boosting programs for people with a disability.
Despite living in St Kilda, Kellie Hammerstein is often seen around Casey advocating for local groups.
The service development coordinator at Bunurong Community Care, Ms Hammerstein has most recently been known for her work with Casey Kidz Klub, an after school care program for young people with a disability.
She said the award had been very embarrassing.
“A lot of what I do is my job,” she said.
“Most of those nominated for the awards are people who volunteer their time.”
But Casey Kidz Klub coordinator Amanda Stapledon, who was nominated for the Citizen of the Year, said she was thrilled that Ms Hammerstein had received the award because her work with the program went above and beyond her call of duty.
“Kellie has worked tirelessly over the past 18 months to make a difference to children with a disability and their families and has not sought one bit of acknowledgment for this,” Ms Stapledon said.
“There are too few people like Kellie in this world.”
Ms Hammerstein said she hoped to use the honorary title to raise awareness of the not-for-profit groups.
She said she would take all opportunities to promote Casey Kidz Klub in the community and speak on her strengths – disability and aged services.
She is also looking at setting up a not-for-profit charitable body to raise funds.