mmg.com.au

Kyabram’s new Citizen of the Year Lesley Lowe was described as a ‘‘Kyabram treasure’’ as the town presented its annual Australia Day awards.

Mrs Lowe came to Kyabram almost 40 years ago and has since become a stalwart in the community, providing help to countless individuals, families and causes when they need it.

There were many nods of agreement in the audience from those who know Mrs Lowe as her citation was read at Memorial Gardens on Saturday morning.

Her help has come in many ways, sometimes a hot meal, for others a comforting quilt or simply a kind word.

No matter what someone’s circumstances may be, Mrs Lowe treats everyone the same and tries to offer assistance however she can.

Mrs Lowe was a founding member of Kyabram Community and Learning Centre, where she was awarded a life membership in 2008, and she was also involved with setting up the Friends of KCLC support group.

She has taught Asian cooking, quilting and sewing classes at the centre and her craft skills are well known around Kyabram, where she has been involved with setting up craft groups and then acting as a mentor.

Mrs Lowe spends much of her spare time making quilts and clothing for a wide range of charitable causes and whenever there has been a disaster she has always been one of the first people to rally support to send aid to those in need.

She has three children and two grand-children and is always keen to promote Kyabram and its community.

‘‘I was totally dumbfounded to hear my name announced, I didn’t even know I’d been nominated for an award,’’ she said.

‘‘I just like to try to help people and it gives me great satisfaction when I can.

‘‘When I look at the names on the plaque and see who has won this award previously I feel really honoured.’’