Public servant Celina Hodge nominated for Pride of Australia medal

PUBLIC servant Celina Hodge has been nominated for a Pride of Australia medal after she fundraised thousands of dollars for various charities.

PNG born Celina Hodge has spent years volunteering for Camp Quality and has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for charities in Darwin. She had a difficult upbringing and likes to help others in similar situations.

VARIOUS charities are tens of thousands of dollars better off, thanks to the work of one woman who has used her experience overcoming a “difficult upbringing” as a source of inspiration to help others.

NT Government full-time worker Celina Hodge has been volunteering to raise money for charities in her spare time for about eight years.

She has been nominated for a Pride of Australia Medal in the Community Spirit category for co-ordinating several fundraising events that resulted in thousands of dollars being raised for those in need.

“I nearly fell off my chair when I found out about the nomination,” Ms Hodge said.

She has organised the NT Public Sector Golf Day on behalf of Camp Quality for the past six years.

The person who nominated Ms Hodge – and asked to remain anonymous – said “the most inspiring thing about Celina is her passion and dedication to making a difference … to her community”.

“The event consists of 240 individuals golfing in teams of six on the day, a sausage sizzle, raffle prizes and auction items – and is all organised by Celina,” the nominator said.

“Celina organises this ­without asking for any thanks or appreciation, and highlights Camp Quality on the day, not herself.

“I am also aware that Celina also helps to organise the Pink Ribbon Ball for Cancer Council NT, and has done for at least three years. Celina also participates in other fundraising activities for Alzheimer’s NT.”

Ms Hodge said she had a “difficult” upbringing in Papua New Guinea before migrating to Australia in the 1970s.

“I come from a big family of 13 where we had to make do so when I look around and see and hear young kids struggling ... that’s where I come in with Camp Quality.”

Nominations close on July 19. Visit ntnews.com.au/­prideofaustralia to nominate.