Firefly Lithgow has created a way to recognise the local heroes in the area with dedicated Facebook posts to thank those for the work they do in the Lithgow LGA.
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Firefly is a Uniting initiative that works with communities to deliver positive and sustainable outcomes for children (0-6yrs), their families and communities.
Firefly sent out a COVID-19 questionnaire on their Facebook page, asking how local residents were feeling during this testing time and what their organisation could do to support the community.
Firefly's community impact strategy co-ordinator Mari Rosney said they received substantial feedback from the community that not only were residents worried about the health of their family and themselves but they were also wondering what the everyday people were doing to help in the crisis.
"People were wanting to know about those people that aren't normally recognised, so we started this local heroes page," she said.
"It isn't a competition, it is just a way for the community to say thank you."
Local residents can nominate friends, family and key workers to show appreciation for what they are doing during COVID-19.
The person nominated will then be contacted to have a chat with a Firefly staff member and tell their story. They then agree to be put online in a Facebook post.
"Something like this is essential in a time like this. Not all heroes wear capes, and we are hearing that often, but people are continuing their essential work," she said.
"You don't have to be an award winner to be nominated, you could just be cooking food for your neighbour, making phone calls to check on people, it is all about recognising acts of kindness done by people in the community.
"Most of the recipients are normally too humble to speak up about what they are doing."
She said that it had personally been lovely to contact the recipients and hear their stories first hand and be able to tell those stories to the community.
"It just really shows the calibre of people in our community."
The Facebook posts have received a positive reaction from the community, with no negative comments and many shares.
"I am glad that people are recognising our community members since the value of what people do is immeasurable," she said.
So far, Lithgow Health Care workers, Nanna's Touch coordinator Sue Murdoch, LINC's Leanne Walding, RAMHP's Sonia Cox and the Tin Shed staff have been nominated.
Firefly wanted to thank the community for their collaborative effort and for sending in the nominations.
If you would like to nominate someone as a Local Hero, please send your suggestions to mrosney@uniting.org.
Please ensure you gain permission from the nominee first before sending their details.
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