The Queen of Hearts CEO is the 2018 Citizen of the Year for Penrith
The Queen of Hearts Community Foundation’s CEO and Founder, Michele Ellery, has been named the 2018 Penrith Citizen of the Year as a part of the Penrith City Council’s Australia Day festivities.
Ms Ellery, the mother of three girls, said this is such a wonderful opportunity and she’s very grateful to be given this opportunity.
“It is so wonderful to be recognised by the people of Penrith for such an award,” Ms Ellery said.
“This gives me the feeling that what I’m doing at Queen of Hearts is valued across the community. It is very gratifying and I’m very grateful for this response.”
Ms Ellery has been campaigning on the side of domestic abuse survivors and the victims of child sexual abuse since 2014. She wants to use her position as Citizen of the Year to help further her work for Queen of Hearts as well as learn more about the issues facing the people of Penrith.
“There are so many great things about this city we live in and being named Penrith Citizen of the Year means I can use my title to learn and get to know so much more about the things that make Penrith tick,” Ms Ellery said.
Armed with her new 12 month position, Ms Ellery said she wants to help highlight the things that make Penrith such a wonderful city.
“Working with the brave and resilient people at the Queen of Hearts Community Foundation has shown me that Penrith is more than simple statistics,” Ms Ellery said.
“We are strong people with so many stories. Stories filled with hope and light and happiness. I want to help shine a light on these stories and expel some of the stereotypes and stigmas that exist around Western Sydney.
“We have a vibrant community and we should celebrate the fact that we live in Penrith,” she said.
Ms Ellery established the Queen of Hearts Community Foundation in 2014 after she was inspired by her own struggles. Since then she has provided specialised trauma counselling, raised awareness and funds to help provide better survivor services and worked with the Western Sydney University. Her work has delivered to nearly 200 women, including over 350 emergency rescue packages of clothes and toiletries to local families and women in need. More information, please visit the Website www.queenofhearts.org.au or Contact us on 1300856737.