Mother-of-five Katherine Kirk dedicated to improving the Hills Shire community
Not all heroes wear capes including a hardworking mother who endlessly volunteers for the Hills community and is passionate about improved schooling in the area.
Not all heroes wear capes and dedicated mother-of-five Katherine Kirk is the perfect example.
Ms Kirk, 48, endlessly volunteers for her community and passionately advocates for improved schooling in the area she grew up in.
She says she is an introvert but switches into leadership mode when duty calls.
Her get-it-done attitude has seen her named Hills Shire Council’s Citizen of the Year and also take on the role of president of Castle Hill High School Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association.
She is also a member of Northmead High School P&C where numbers had dwindled down to just four members before Ms Kirk joined but with her on the board, is experiencing a revival.
She said she found volunteering was a great way to meet new people in the growing community.
“Our social circles have expanded quite a bit and it’s nice having people to wave at in the grocery store,” she said.
“That’s what we like doing, helping where we can and leaving things in a better place than when we came in.”
Ms Kirk is also the vice president of Northmead CAPA High School, supports local sporting clubs, including the Baulkham Hills Hawks AFL Club and Hills Spirit FC, and helps organise events for veterans at the Castle Hill RSL Sub-Branch.
When Ms Kirk does have a sliver of spare time she enjoys reading, bushwalking and day trips into the Blue Mountains with her husband Chris Kirk, 46.
Mr Kirk was a member of the British army for 17 years as a private where he served in Iraq in 2003 and 2006. He is also passionate about helping the community and holds the position of the president of the P&C at North Mead High School and a sport and recreation co-ordinator at the Castle Hill RSL sub-branch.
When it comes to Ms Kirk staying on top of her busy schedule, her secret is time management and staying organised with two calendars.
“I use my phone and a paper diary,” she said. “I’m a fan of a paper diary so I can see what I’ve got coming up during the week. I use my digital calendar to set notifications a day before important events.
“My kids will often help on a sports day or election barbecue, which is nice to see them giving back as well.”
Ms Kirk said she encouraged others to volunteer, especially for new residents looking for their tribe.
“Most organisations struggle with volunteer numbers, whether you’re involved in a school or community group, if you can just give it a bit of time your committee or group would really appreciate it,” she said.
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