2023 John Brady Award winner announced

A KEY figure of Soroptimist International of Geelong has accepted a prestigious Lions Club award on behalf of her group’s dedication to the community and local women.

The Ocean Grove Barwon Heads (OGBH) Lions Club has announced president Ann Cook and Soroptimist International of Geelong (SIG) as the recipients of this year’s John Brady Community Service Award, receiving a cheque of $500 for the organisation’s work across the region.

OGBH Lions Club president Alan Daw said Ms Cook and SIG perfectly embodied the values that Lions Club aim to uphold.

“While the group is based outside Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads, Ms Cook and her organisation have made considerable impacts across the region,” Mr Daw said.

“Soroptimist International of Geelong prides itself on providing a forum for women in management to further improve human rights and the status of women, much like local Lions clubs.”

Ms Cook said she was pleased to receive the award on behalf of her organisation, according to Mr Daw.

Ms Cook then donated the funds from the John Brady Award toward the Drysdale Community Church Food Bank, who are currently in desperate need of food.

“From what I’m told, the food bank volunteers were very pleased to receive the additional funds,” Mr Daw said.

“But that speaks to who Ms Cook is as a person, always willing to help organisations in need of resources, so we’re extremely happy with the club’s choice for this year’s award.”

Rob Kuebler from the Barwon Estuary Heritage Centre (The Lobster Pot) in Barwon Heads was the inaugural recipient of the John Brady Award last year.

Mr Brady was a revered figure at the OGBH Lions Club, dedicating 40 years of his life to community service.