Top citizen says 'I love Deni'

‘‘I was absolutely surprised by the nomination.

‘‘Just because you do things in your community, it doesn’t mean it will lead to this.

‘‘But I just love Deni.’’

Mrs Phillips has been honoured as top citizen for her many roles in the community — through service to the community, charity work and as a long serving member of the business community.

She has been a member of the Deniliquin Rotary Club for more than 25 years.

In that time, she has so far served one term as president.

She will be returned to the club’s top role at the changeover dinner later this year.

‘‘It was John Tainsh who invited me to join Rotary,’’ Mrs Phillips said.

‘‘And I believe if you are to be a part of a club, you have to give it your all.

‘‘Being a Rotarian has given me a lot of great opportunities.

‘‘I was involved in the Sun Festival and in Telecross, but unfortunately they are both gone now.’’

Mrs Phillips is also a long serving member of the Navorina Nursing Home board, although not for quite as long as she has been involved in Rotary.

While not a founding member of the board which built the facility, Mrs Phillips has been actively involved in the many upgrades that have occurred over the years.

‘‘It is a great community owned facility, so I wanted to be involved,’’ she said.

‘‘For a long time I have been the only female in that room, expect for the director of nursing.’’

A crucial business owner of Deniliquin, Mrs Phillips has been at the forefront of helping those in the community.

She has helped run a Daffodil Day morning tea from her business, My Shop, which has raised much needed funds for cancer research.

Over the years, she has also offered her house and garden as a package to be auctioned off to help in various fundraising initiatives.

Having opened My Shop 28 years ago this year, Mrs Phillips has reached a milestone few other local business operators have been able to achieve.

She was working in advertising with the Deniliquin Pastoral Times’ when the opportunity to become a business owner arose.

Her fashionable store is one of the most iconic and popular in the CBD.

‘‘The opportunity came up to get into the shop in 1992,’’ she said.

‘‘I’m forever grateful I did. I have absolutely loved owning the store.’’

Mrs Phillips credits her longevity in local business and involvement in the community to one simple thing — ‘‘I love Deni’’, she said.

‘‘I am so lucky here in Deniliquin,’’ she said.

‘‘I have my family here — my two daughters Roxie and Beth and my three grandchildren — and I have some wonderful friends.’’

She was presented with her certificate and gift at a special ceremony in the Deniliquin Waring Gardens on Sunday morning.

Other Australia Day Award winners are as follows:● 2020 Senior Sports Award – Deniliquin Lawn Easter Tennis Tournament committee.● 2020 Junior Sports Award – Raymond Murphy.● 2020 Community Event or Initiative of the Year – Deniliquin High School Driver Education Program.● 2020 Senior Arts and Culture Award – Narelle Whitham).