Hunter Hands of Hope president Melissa Gontier was recognised for her dedication to helping homeless people when she was named citizen of the year at Cessnock's Australia Day awards on Sunday.
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Ms Gontier was absent from the ceremony at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre as she was unwell, and was presented with her award at the council chambers on Tuesday morning.
She was surprised and honoured to receive the award.
"I love what I do, and it is making a difference in the town," she said.
"People from all walks of life are using our service, including women and children in crisis care who are escaping domestic violence."
Ms Gontier and her mother Julie Hall founded Hunter Hands of Hope as a food drive in December 2018, and is has since evolved into an outreach service that caters to up to 49 people a night, four nights a week, and connects people in need to appropriate services.
The charity's small band of volunteers have been working tirelessly over the past couple of weeks as it moved into new premises at Cessnock Tennis Courts.
Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said the award recognised Ms Gontier's compassion, care and selflessness.
"This organisation helps those who need it most in our community - homeless and vulnerable people," he said.
"Our community is truly better off because of Melissa."
Ms Gontier said the charity would welcome more volunteers, particularly to help out with serving at its Free Food Fridays.
If you can help, call 0400 003 014 or send a message via hunterhandsofhope.com.au or their Facebook page.
CESSNOCK'S 2020 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS
- Citizen of the Year - Melissa Gontier
- Senior Citizen of the Year - Ted Jackson
- Young Citizen of the Year - Chelsea Webb
- Maree Callaghan Award for a young female achiever - Trinity Woodhouse
- Community event of the year - Lost Diggers of Weston and Field of Honour
- Environment award - Branxton Community Hall Committee
- Community awards - Adam Robinson, Olivia Chapman, Kyle Gosper, Shane Rodger-Wilson, Bethany Dwyer, Vincent Plater, Rose Lucas, Chloe Steel, Amy Butler, Rachel Threadgate, Amy Roberts, Freemasons Cessnock, Central Hunter Business Chamber and Hunter Multicultural Communities, Cancer Council NSW/Stars of the Hunter Valley
- Marthaville Arts and Cultural Award - Geoff Travis
Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
