By BRIDGET SCOTT
A LYNBROOK woman who has presided over many local organisations was rewarded for her hard work on Australia Day.
Rita Hartney was awarded the Casey Senior Citizen of the Year Award, however she isn’t sure whether or not to be more excited about this or her new radio show.
The 80-year-old retiree works harder than many others her age, and has just started ‘Hot topics with Rita’ at Casey Radio.
Every Monday from 1pm until 3pm, Rita is joined by other local women who take part in her talk-back show.
“I want my program to help empower women,” she said.
“I want to get women involved and thinking.”
An author of two books, the volunteer is heavily involved at Balla Balla and Hallam Community centres.
Ms Hartney’s first involvement with the City of Casey was when she became part of the Women of Note Mentor Breakfast Program. Not long after her involvement, Ms Hartney’s refined public speaking skills allowed her to become the president and chair of the group.
“That was my first involvement with the City of Casey,” she said.
She has also chaired what is now the Casey Neighbourhood Watch group, and has served on the board of the Narre Warren Community Learning Centre.
Ms Hartney said she did not think of her work as volunteering.
“You get paid in satisfaction,” she said.
“People ask when I am going to retire and I tell them I already have – I always work hard.”
Tune into 97.7fm to hear Ms Hartney’s new program.
“I hope to get the show well underway,” she said.
