Stone secures top state gong

A PASSIONATE Lara local has been recognised for her commitment to her community at this year’s Community Clubs Victoria Awards.

Carol Stone from the Lara Sporting Club was awarded Victorian Club Person of the Year at the annual gala night, which took place in Melbourne last weekend.

The prestigious awards night honours excellence across more than 1000 licensed clubs throughout Victoria.

The awards span categories such as sustainability, entertainment, social impact and wellbeing, celebrating clubs and the individuals who create meaningful and lasting benefits for their communities.

Ms Stone has been part of the Lara Sporting Club for over 20 years, first starting on the football committee in the early 2000s.

Since then, she has continued to volunteer in many capacities, became a board member and has taken on the club’s administration work over the past three years.

She said she was thrilled to be crowned the winner of the award.

“It was unexpected to be a winner; I’m still blown away and very overwhelmed,” she said.

“My boss nominated me, and I feel very proud that he thought I was worthy of being recognised.”

She said the community and family feel of the Lara Sporting Club continued to keep her coming back each year.

“It’s been my club my whole life… I’m Lara born and bred, and I’ve known nowhere else to go,” she said.

“My husband has coached there, my two boys play footy and are still involved at senior level, and I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

“It’s like a second home for us.”