By Brendan Rees
A selfless volunteer who dedicates hours to the Casey community has been recognised at a special ceremony at Government House.
Kerrigan La-Brooy, a Senior Pastor of Gethsemane Church in Berwick was presented the Leadership Award at the 2019 Victorian Premiers Volunteer Champion Awards on 1 December.
Mr La-Brooy, who was named Star News Person of the Year for 2018, is the founder and creator of Gethsemane Charity and “works around the clock” providing food and clothes to more than 400 people every day – with “barely any sleep and little time to eat” himself.
With his wife Michelle and six children, the La-Brooy family also run a free Talent Academy, an opportunity shop, and host the Clyde Carols by Candlelight since it began three years ago.
He runs the opportunity shop from his family home, where his wife Michelle and six children have long run out of space for themselves.
The Leadership Award which was awarded to 10 recipients across the state recognises their unwavering passion, commitment and dedication to others.
At the ceremony, Mr La-Brooy was presented with a certificate and badge from the Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau.
He said he was “honoured and humbled” to receive the award but concedes: “I’m not fazed on winning awards. I appreciate just being nominated.”
“I’m thankful for the faithful team around me who believe in my vision and am faithful to their calling.”
Mr La-Brooy has a number of accolades to his name including Casey Citizen of the Year in 2018 and 2019, Group of the Year in 2018 and 2019, and Holt Australia Day Awards in 2018 and 2019.
He believes in being “true to himself” and displaying integrity in everything he does and to everyone around him.
This year, 247 nominations were received across the categories of service, leadership, impact and teamwork and 57 volunteers were recognised for their invaluable contributions.
