Yvonne Wolski named Chinchilla and District Citizen of the Year

BORN and raised in Brigalow, Yvonne Wolski has never shied away from getting involved and lending a hand.

Western Downs Regional Council's Chinchilla and District Australia Day Citizen of the Year, Yvonne Wolski. Picture: Matthew Newton

BORN and raised in Brigalow, Yvonne Wolski has never shied away from getting involved and lending a hand.

Now 60 years old, Yvonne was awarded the Western Downs Regional Council (WDRC) Chinchilla and District Citizen of the Year award at Tuesday’s Australia Day ceremony.

Over the years, Mrs Wolski has been involved in the Boonarga Hall Committee, Chinchilla Tennis Club, Brigalow Tennis Club, Boonarga Tennis Club, Brigalow Recreation Grounds Committee, Horticultural Society, Chinchilla Show Society, school tuckshops and any other organisation or event that required her assistance.

Add in the fact that she and her husband Brian were dairy farmers for 33 years and a picture begins to form of a very busy, selfless individual, who would literally be there lending a hand until the cows came home.

Mrs Wolski is also known for her elaborate Christmas light decorations.

Nominated for the award by the Brigalow Recreation Grounds Association committee, committee member and WDRC councillor Greg Olm described Mrs Wolski as “a pillar of the local community”.

“She’s been involved in so many different organisations and she’s put in a lot of time and it’s all voluntary and she’s never ever asked for anything in return. She’s just that type of person,” Cr Olm said.

“If you want anything organised, talk to Yvonne. She can get it done.

“She’s never required any recognition and never looked for it.”

Mrs Wolski said she was honoured to receive the award, but tried to shift the limelight away from herself, saying “I’m not the only one down (in Brigalow) who does a lot”.

She also thanked her husband for his support over the years.

“So long as I was home to milk the cows, he was happy,” she said.

When asked what motivated her community involvement, Mrs Wolski said she was just a social person.

“I had a friend of mine, she died a few years ago from cancer. Her and I used to get together and plan things and we worked out that people in the community – if you don’t socialise, people can get depressed,” she said.

“The best thing you can possibly do for yourself and the community is join a club.”

Despite having to start dialysis treatment for her kidneys at some point in the future, Mrs Wolski said she doesn’t plan to slow down yet.

“I should feel a lot better once I get onto dialysis,” she said.