Deni double at regionals

Meghan Fisher is a young case worker at Deniliquin Vinnies Services and has a strong passion for social justice and tenacity in advocating for her clients.

The 24 year-old said she was humbled and shocked by her nomination and win in the local awards, let alone the regional awards and is excited to progress to the state awards.

‘‘It was very unexpected, but it is great for me and Vinnies with everything we have been doing lately in the community,’’ Miss Fisher said.

‘‘It’s nice to have your name still popping up in the paper I guess, and to have recognition for the work you are achieving.

‘‘I have never really won anything before, so it was just great to have the opportunity to attend. I wasn’t expecting it at all when they called out my name and I thought, is this a joke?’’

Miss Fisher said the next step is just to go back to doing what she loves.

‘‘I remember going to uni and saying I want to do social work, I want to study but I never actually thought I would come back to Deni and work at Vinnies,’’ she said.

‘‘Social justice for me is just one of those things that really tugs at your heartstrings. It is doing good work and is a really important job.

‘‘The award will not change that, and l will just keep doing what I do because I love what I do whether there is any recognition for the work or not.’’

Deni Play on the Plains Festival won the Excellence in Social Enterprise category against one other finalist.

General manager Vicky Lowry said becoming a finalist and winning an award is a feeling of achievement for everyone involved in the Deni Ute Muster.

‘‘It was the first time as far as I’m aware that the Deni Ute Muster has entered in the category of Excellence in Social Enterprise,’’ she said.

‘‘The announcement made at the Murray Riverina NSW Business Chamber Awards last Friday in Temora was a great testament to the impact that the Deni Ute Muster has on the community and region.’’

Ms Lowry said the community support is a large part of what makes the Muster the event that it is.

‘‘There are many times when we have not been successful, and this is okay as well,’’ she said.

‘‘Completing award submissions is a great way to look back over the previous year to reflect on what has been achieved and at times seeing where you can improve.

‘‘I would like to congratulate the team and the board of directors on their hard work and I look forward to displaying our efforts in just three weeks.’’