Flattered by prestigious award

At the awards ceremony held at Bunjil Place were Cr Susan Serey, Cr Gary Row, Cr Amanda Stapledon, College Captain of Beaconhills College - Berwick campus Riley Boland, School Captain of Beaconhills College - Pakenham campus Ashleigh Gilsen accept the Casey Community Group of the Year award on behalf of Beaconhills College, Casey Citizen of the Year Marie Allen, Casey Senior Citizen of the Year Ray Bell, Casey Young Citizen of the Year Katherine Morgan, Cr Wayne Smith, Cr Damien Rosario, Cr Timothy Jackson, and Cr Rex Flannery. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

By Brendan Rees

Marie Allen took out the top honour as Casey Citizen of the Year for her dedicated role with the Vision Australia Giggles Cooking Group.
Ms Allen began and supported the Vision Australia Giggles Cooking Group for people with low vision and blindness.
This group provides a supportive and friendly environment for those at risk of being socially isolated in the community due to their disability.
“I was gobsmacked – It wasn’t expected. I got a little bit emotional,” Ms Allen said.
“I am proud to be Australian. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my guide dog, my daughter, Vision Australia and the community.”
Although Ms Allen has low vision herself, she continues to be positive and passionate advocate for others with a vision impairment.
The group can attest to her energy and enthusiasm for ‘giving things a go’.
She encourages those within the community who may feel isolated to join in activities and find common interests and support with their vision loss and daily living.