A LOCAL advocate in the field of family violence has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia.
Edithvale resident Emma Gierschick has been recognised for her services to the community. The breast cancer and family violence survivor is a fierce advocate for the prevention of child, disability, and family violence.
Ms Gierschick has been published in key government reports and inquiries, including the Royal Commission into Family Violence and the Children’s Rights Report. She has also spoken all around Australia as part of her advocacy work.
In 2018, she was named the inaugural Kingston Woman of the Year.
“As a migrant to Australia 26 years ago, I have always embraced the honour of becoming an Australian citizen and vowed to make my life and the great opportunity of living here count. I am very very humbled and truly honoured to receive this OAM award as acknowledgement for my service to date, and plan to continue to raise awareness of the needs of vulnerable children, and the importance of vital recovery support from trauma,” Ms Gierschick said.
In addition to her work in the family violence field, the OAM recipient has also helped the bushfire relief effort. In 2019 she helped to coordinate thousands of units of toiletries and underwear for survivors of the Mallacoota fires.
Ms Gierschick will receive the medal at a ceremony on 21 September.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 14 July 2021