Rotary award for her service

By Lachlan Ellis

A policewoman from Bacchus Marsh has thanked Rotary for its support, after winning a Rotary Community Award this month.

Leading Senior Constable Joanne Mutsaerts lives in Bacchus Marsh but works in Melton, and said the recognition by such an important community group was humbling.

The award was the first of its kind awarded by the Rotary Club of Melton, and LSC Mutsaerts was also its sole winner, at the North West Metro Division 3 Police Awards on Monday 11 April.

“It was a massive honour; it was the first time that Melton Rotary had handed out that award. Being recognised in towards the name that Rotary holds, I think it was a massive honour,” she told the Moorabool News.

“On the back of what our community on a whole has gone through in the last two years…it’s been tough going. Hopefully we can come out the other side and return to some normality within the wider community, and get back to what we know and love about our community.”

She was also recognised – belatedly, as has been the case with so many awards thanks to the pandemic – for her long career, being awarded for 25 years of dedicated service.

LSC Mutsaerts said she still loves her job after close to 28 years in the force, and felt privileged to serve.

“I still love coming to work. I think the fact that I get to work amongst the community giving back helps. That’s something I really enjoy. Being there sometimes for someone’s worst day, and sometimes their best day…it’s a mix of emotions at different times,” she said.

“When I look at the work with victims of crime and that sort of thing, just to be there as a helping hand to get them back on their feet is vital. It’s the most devastating moment for some people that they’ll ever experience. To know where that support is or where we can make some referrals is really important.”

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-04-26/11

in the 26 April 2022 edition
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pick up a paper around your town.