By Brendan Rees
Katherine Morgan is one not to shy away when it comes to helping her community.
And she loves making a positive impact on people’s lives – young or old.
The 21 year-old was named the Casey Young Citizen of Year during the Casey Australia Day Awards presentation at Bunjil Place on Friday, 26 January in recognition of her service to the community.
“I was honoured to win the Young Citizen of the Year Casey award. I wasn’t expecting it however I am very grateful for it,” she said.
The Beaconsfield resident volunteers with Arise Community Church in Lyndhurst where she supervises and teaches young people.
From taking kids to sports events, to activities in the mountains, trips to the snow, bush walks and wildlife and nature education field trips – Ms Morgan ensures she is always there.
“We go out to different locations in Victoria. That gets them out to travel and do something exciting with other kids,” she said.
“We also do working bees which mostly is the adults and the teenagers.”
She says they go to people’s houses in South East Melbourne and help with gardening and general household cleaning.
“They get super excited, so it’s always a new experience for them and they get to meet new people.”
But without the help of others, she says she wouldn’t be able to achieve as much as she does.
“There’s so many other people that help me do the things that I do – not for the acknowledgement.
“I do a lot and might organise a lot but I wouldn’t be able to do it if I didn’t have those other people helping me. It’s a team player job.”
Ms Morgan has worked full time as a disability support coach at Wallara organisation for the past four years.
“We try to help them make the most out of their lives, and help them do it as independently as they can.”
She says she originally planned to be a primary school teacher but after working one year at Wallara, Ms Morgan knew she had found her calling.
“I love it. I was actually really close to my grandparents and lived with them.”
“I actually requested to work with senior age clients. There was a job opportunity available for me there, so really happy.”
When she is not doing this, she also gives up her holidays to volunteer in different countries supporting disadvantaged communities by donating food, clothing, money and time.
