By Corey Everitt
Avid volunteer Liz Roberts is Cardinia Shire’s Citizen of the Year, recognising a hard-working year that saw the revival of Pakenham’s Toy Library.
Liz was among five others nominated for the top spot at Cardinia Shire’s Australia Day Awards at the Cardinia Cultural Centre last Thursday night, 25 January.
Her fellow finalists all had their committed work detailed and it was no doubt that all were staunch supporters of their community.
“By the time everyone was called, I was thinking nup this isn’t happening,” she said.
“I was surprised especially with the calibre of nominees so high.”
The night is still fresh, the achievement still let to settle-in. Liz does know it was a night to remember and be thankful for.
“It was a lovely night, it was nice to meet so many others who work in the community as well,” she said.
“I thank my husband David Roberts, he gives me the time to do community activities outside of work, we both are involved in community work.
“My children, Evelyn and Alex, for encouraging me and helping out in the ways they can.”
Mayor councillor Jack Korwazik said Liz’s work in the last year was deserving of recognition.
“Liz played a pivotal role in reviving the Pakenham and District Toy Library, navigating several challenges to get the service reopened after the pandemic,” Cr Korwazik said.
“Her leadership transformed the toy library into a sustainable, inclusive asset for the community, and she deserves this recognition for her hard work.”
As Citizen of the Year, her tireless work over the last 12 months has included volunteering at her local Parish and fundraising for Monash Children’s Hospital.
However, the biggest work has been the resurrection of Pakenham’s Toy Library, which has been a staple in the town since the 1980s, but was sadly closed during the Covid pandemic.
More than a year ago, Liz along with fellow volunteers Kimberly Lardner and Dominique Gohr, decided that Pakenham shouldn’t go without easy access to the means for fun and play. They took the initiative to bring back the toy library from its years-long hiatus.
After months of hard work, writing up grant applications, finding a location and of course acquiring lots of toys, in June 2023, Pakenham’s Toy Library opened its doors once again.
Today, the three women who initiated it are now expanding to a larger core team of volunteers.
“Without the work we all did together, I’m certain I wouldn’t be in this position,” Liz said.
“We’ve been fortunate in the last 12 months with the toy library, it’s nice to be acknowledged for this small group of people.”
The future is bright for the toy library’s triumphant return, Liz believes it will make the community stronger with everyone who joins.
“It is a place for people to help out in the ways they can, when they come in they get to know other families. They might run into them at the shops or at kindergarten and have a chat. It builds that bigger community around us,” she said.
“It’s always about making strong connections through the wider community.”
With such an achievement, Liz believes this is a testament to what is possible if people get involved and take initiative for the sake of the community and themselves.
“I encourage people to get involved in any way they can, whether it’s a Bunnings sausage sizzle or managing your child’s netball team,” she said.
