Michelle receives community award

Pretty Beach resident Ms Michelle Biddulph has received an award at the Australia Day Community Awards for her volunteer work with the Killcare-Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade.

Ms Biddulph was presented with the community volunteer award at a special ceremony at Central Coast Leagues Club on Friday, January 18.

She was one of 99 Gosford City residents to be nominated for an Australia Day community award.

"I am extremely honoured to have received the award," Ms Biddulph said.

"Although it does get difficult to find the time to juggle work, family and volunteering, it is very much worth the time and effort.

"I became a volunteer to meet new people and do something for the community.

"I would find it very difficult to give it up."

Ms Biddulph has been a volunteer with the Killcare-Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade for more than nine years.

"Her dedication through extremely difficult and dramatic times, as well as during the quiet times, has been an inspiration to many other members," according to a Council statement.

"In the last 12 months alone, Michelle has worked as deputy captain, training officer, mitigation and community education officer, call-out officer and front-line fire officer."

As well as her commitment to the brigade, Ms Biddulph is a mother of two pre-school girls, a university student, and is employed at a local school.

Press Release, 18 Jan 2008 Clare Graham, 24 Jan 2008 Interview: Kate Carragher, Gosford Council