'I really can’t believe it': humble volunteer Denise Wilson Orange Citizen of the Year

But there are plenty of people who disagree with her. 

Mrs Wilson, who is retired but works full time as a volunteer, said she was “utterly shocked” to receive the honour.

“There’s so many other people who are more deserving,” she said.

“I really can’t believe it.”

Mrs Wilson was so surprised she was awarded the honour yesterday she had not prepared a speech in the event that she won. 

She was on the verge of tears as she thanked her family and friends because without them, she said, she would not have the support she needed to dedicate so much time to helping others. 

Mrs Wilson makes up her full-time volunteer hours by dedicating time and her cooking skills to the Forest Reefs Uniting Church Women’s Fellowship, she has been integral in organising fundraising events for the Orange Men’s Fellowship Camp Quality Tractor Trek, she supports the Mustard Tree Cafe, which provides low-cost meals for those in need, and she cooks thousands of preserves to sell and donates the proceeds to Cancer Care Western NSW, a charity organisation of which she is a board member. 

Mrs Wilson said while she had her health she considered it her civic duty to help others and contribute to the Orange region with the skills she has mastered over the years.

Family and friends said her jams were truly remarkable. 

“I am just very grateful to all of the organisations I volunteer for,” Mrs Wilson said.

Orange High School student Ashley Morrow was awarded Orange Young Citizen of the Year for his commitment to his fellow students, his contribution to the school’s dramatic arts in his role as stage manager for its school production, his dedication to co-ordinating the school’s drum corps and his volunteer work towards maintenance of the school buildings. 

He is a member of the Rural Fire Service and regularly trains junior members. 

“There is gratitude that comes with being nominated for such a prestigious award,” he said. 

The Orange Community Group of the Year went to the volunteer Wayfinders for their dedication and commitment to providing visitors to the Orange hospital with guides and tourist information.

And the Australian National Field Days was awarded the Community Event of the Year because of its contribution to the Orange region economy and its dedication to promoting the region’s agricultural industry. 

Alexandra Rezko, Nancy Rosser and Sylvia Grant, who walk the streets to pick up rubbish, were also recognised for keeping Orange clean and tidy.

nicole.kuter@fairfaxmedia.com.au