Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Editor's Note

Hi Everyone,

It was a great privilege to be nominated for an Australia Day Award this year and I was deeply honoured to walk alongside the other nominees at last week’s ceremony.

When I was made aware of my nomination for Citizen of the Year, however, I have to admit to you that I felt like a complete fraud.

What had I actually ‘done’ for my community this year?

Who had I served? What exceptional impact had I made?

Citizen of the Year is usually reserved for someone who has achieved something amazing, contributed in some incredible way or volunteered hours of their own free time for the greater good.

I had done none of this and, as a result, when I received my nomination, I felt like a fraud.

I was so embarrassed about others seeing me as a fraud as well that I barely told anyone, not even my workmates.

As the ceremony loomed, I hoped that I’d be forgotten, and I even tried to wriggle out of attending the presentations stating that I would prefer to take photos for the paper instead.

On the day I felt like a complete imposter, but then I was welcomed by the Council staff and assured that I did have a place there and that I was deserving of the nomination.

When I went up on stage with the other nominees, no-one was surprised to see me, in fact, the Mayor even smiled like she was glad I’d been nominated.

I now realise that even if it is just one person who sees the light in you, whose life you touch in such a meaningful way that they think to nominate you for an award – well that is plenty enough.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Be the light you wish to see in the world” adapted from Mahatma Ghandi’s famous quote

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