HEATHER Bottrell was awarded the Rosewood Toastmaster Communicator of the Year at a special ceremony, recently.
Toastmasters President Andrew Spresser said the award recognised individuals in the community who are out helping and communicating with families to make the community stronger, while providing people with a brighter future.
“This year there were several people who were nominated for this highly commendable award, though after many discussions between the Rosewood Toastmasters and after much debate, the clear winner was Heather Bottrell,” he said.
Heather moved to the area more than 40 years ago with her late husband Ted from the Nullarbor Plains. They were active members of the community, who have helped and supported the families.
Heather through her service with the Rosewood Uniting Church, the Rosewood Ambulance Service and other events throughout the years, and Ted who was kept busy assisting families through his mower repairs business.
After 58 years of marriage, Ted passed away in August 2022, and since that day Heather’s family and her church family “have wrapped their arms around her to assist her through her grief”.
Heather’s daughter Connie Bottrell, said many years ago, Shirley Boughen said to the family that if anything was to happen to her dad that Heather’s church family would always look after her, and they have, alongside her own family.
“As a family we are extremely proud of Mum, Rosewood is her home, she just loves it here, and we are very grateful to whoever nominated her for this award,” she said.
“Mum is generous, kind, reliable, honest and funny, and the kettle is always on at her house for anyone who needs a chat, she just loves to help people, her community and her family.
“Great advice is always shared by mum, and she is always there on the other end of the phone for her family, for her friends and for everyone, she is the rock of the family.
“My partner has travelled throughout the world and when she met mum, she said that she has never met a more kind, positive and grateful person in her life.
“Mum is grateful for the things she has in life, she never complains, she is happy as a role model and she never judges anyone.
“Fridays are known to the family as Moreton Border News days, because Mum collects the paper and delivers it to all of the local business while stopping for a chat.
“Mum also is very proud of the street where she lives, and she makes sure it is clean and tidy whilst taking the bins in each week after the collection day, she is a great neighbour and watches to make sure her neighbours and the community are safe.”
On a weekly basis, Heather visits members of the church who are at home and are in need of general assistance and items, so together with her son Billy, she visits these families to provide these needs along with friendly conversation.
Heather said she thrives on helping others, she loves Rosewood and her street, and she adores her family and the community.
“I enjoy walking through the main street of Rosewood chatting to people, and just finding out if they are okay, because I would never like to think that someone is lonely,” she said.
“Helping others is what I like the most, and I was taken back when I was told that I had won this award, and I am really grateful.”
To recognise her service Heather, was presented with a certificate and a special pen, and was applauded and congratulated by the Rosewood Toastmasters.
