A COMMITMENT to the Wakool community spanning five decades was recognised on Australia Day when Irene and John Coote were named joint Citizens of the Year for the Murray River Council.
The husband and wife duo have dedicated more than 50 years of service, volunteering countless hours, with much enthusiasm, effort and passion.
The couple moved to the area in 1969, raising their two children after purchasing an irrigated farming property.
Mrs Coote said there was a real sense of community when they arrived and they took every opportunity to help support local clubs, groups and organisations.
“It was a thriving town when we first arrived,” she said, adding the school had around 100 students.
While they have witnessed many changes over the years, including the decline of school enrolments, the expansion of farms and the closure of many facilities, their passion for the community is as strong today as it was when they first arrived.
Their early volunteer roles centred around the family’s sporting commitments which included the local tennis, netball and football clubs.
“The kids were involved and we were happy to help,” she said.
“We just got on with the job.”
At the award ceremony, Irene was described as a “quiet achiever, always in the background, giving her time selflessly, never making a fuss but ever-reliable”.
She spent more than 30 years assisting with religious instruction at Wakool Public School and became the treasurer of St Luke’s Church in 1995, remaining in the role until fire destroyed the church in 2017.
During this time, she was also on the Parish Council.
She’s been an active member of the Wakool Welcome Centre since the early 1990s, once again supporting this organisation in the role of treasurer.
Irene has been part of many committees throughout her life, volunteering many hours to a range of groups and organisations, including Home and Community Care (HACC), Wakool P&C, and the local netball and tennis clubs.
Despite retiring from the farm and moving into town, Irene hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, and is currently treasurer of the Wakool Hall Committee.
Meanwhile, John has also made a huge difference in the Wakool community.
Still involved in the Wakool Football Club, where he coached and played for many years, John played an integral role in developing young players, instilling a strong club spirit and a sense of community identity.
He was also instrumental in building the football complex.
Working tirelessly for the benefit of the club long after he retired from playing, John’s efforts were recognised with a life membership of Wakool Football Netball Club and Wakool Cricket Club.
He was a member of the Wakool RSL Board for many years and was also on the Recreation Reserve Committee.
John was also founding member of the Golden Hawks Club, a volunteer community group focused on supporting community organisations and events.
While he has stepped down from committee roles in recent years, John continues to volunteer his time, showing his support for the local community.
Despite their volunteering efforts, the duo said the award came as a huge surprise.
“We were very surprised,” Irene said.
“We had been advised that we were nominated but we didn’t expect to win. We’ve always been keen to help out.”
Murray River Council mayor Chris Bilkey said Irene and John were very deserving of this year’s Citizen of the Year award.
Cr Bilkey said the Australia Day awards acknowledged the achievements of individuals and groups who worked tirelessly to make the community a better place to live.
“On behalf of council, I would like to acknowledge all the nominees and congratulate this year’s award winners, who are a shining example of how we can all have a positive impact in our community, no matter the circumstances,” Cr Bilkey said.
“There have been lots of people who have made some lasting contributions in the community over the last 12 months, and it is their efforts that add to the story of Murray River Council and make it such a great place to live.
“These awards give us a chance to reflect on the resilience of communities and the spirit of helping, giving and supporting that defines us as Australians.”
The Murray River Council Australia Day award recipients included:
Citizen of the Year: Irene and John Coote, Wakool
Young Citizen of the Year: Billie Logie, Moama
Young Sportsperson of the Year: Matilda Eddy, Mathoura
Sportsperson of the Year: Luke Barlow, Moama
Community Event of the Year: Echuca Moama Bridge Opening
Community Group of the Year: Mathoura Biggest Morning Tea Committee
