THE leader of an organisation working towards the prevention and management of mental illness has been named Kingston’s woman of the year.
Not-for-profit organisation Mindful Makings offers workshops to people that “introduces and promotes the practice of mindfulness through fun, interesting and creative activities”. The group’s founder Simone Hardham was recognised for her hard work last week when she received the Kingston woman of the year award.
Kingston mayor Steve Staikos said “Simone has dedicated much of her life to support and serve communities through volunteering, fundraising and campaigning. She works full-time, is a mum, president of a neighbourhood centre and runs the not-for-profit organisation Mindful Makings, which delivers services that positively impact the lives of those who live with mental health concerns or are secluded from others.”
International Women’s Day took place this week on Monday, 8 March. Ms Hardham accepted her award at an event at Kingston City Hall on 5 March.
To find out more about Mindful Makings visit mindfulmakings.org.
A lifetime award was also presented at the annual event. Joan Bradd, a long-time member of Scouts Victoria, was given the honour.
“We decided to present the lifetime award to Joan Bradd, a long-serving Member of Scouts Victoria, who established the Dingley Scout Group,” Cr Staikos said.
“Over her 40 years of service, Joan has held many leadership positions within Scouts Victoria, including district commissioner Kingston district and state commissioner of training.”
Three honourable mention awards were also presented at the awards night.
The first recipient, Megan King, has created a group to assist the carers of children living with special needs. The group Autism & Special Needs – Melbourne sent out care packages during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also works to connect families to other support services.
Vanessa Heredia also received an honourable mention. She leads a group of volunteers to stage the Chelsea Community Christmas Lunch each year.
Arna O’Connell was the final recipient of an honourable mention. Ms O’Connell volunteers and is in management at the Cheltenham Community Centre. She works to provide high quality programs to the local community. She has also volunteered at the Mordialloc Community Centre.
To read more about the winners and nominees visit kingston.vic.gov.au/kwa.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 10 March 2021
