Waratah Public School P&C vice-president Rachel Garner has been lauded for making a huge difference to the Hunter educational institution.
The hard-working local was recently named joint Member of the Year at the NSW P&C Federation Annual Conference.
The organisation’s president, Yvonne Hilsz, said Ms Garner was a worthy recipient.
“Rachel has improved every aspect of the Waratah Public School P&C operations,” she explained.
“She’s introduced a strong sense of governance and commitment to the executive committee of the P&C and, in doing so, been instrumental in supporting our kids and families to ensure they get the best school experience possible.
“In fact, she has singlehandedly taken control of the P&C finance, taxation and insurance issues.
“She had the tenacity to take accountability and unbundle years of problems, which had snowballed.”
Not even a pandemic slowed Ms Garner down.
“When COVID hit, Rachel led the pivot to online ordering and digital payments for the P&C run uniform shop and canteen,” Ms Hilsz said.
“During this difficult time, she and the P&C provided information, links to support services, promoted local businesses and even provided cooking lessons and colouring sheets via the Facebook page for parents during lockdown to ensure no one felt isolated and alone.
“Rachel then restarted the canteen, which had closed, and recruited and set up an excellent manager and volunteer network that is thriving with a healthy menu and providing an essential service to families.”
Ms Garner admitted she was shocked to hear her name read out during the awards ceremony.
“You don’t do it for the accolades,” the immediate past president said.
“You do it for the kids.
“You put your heart and soul into it to make sure all children have fair access.
“It’s all about inclusion and, honestly, you can’t do it without the support of your family.”
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