Grow Greenbushes member Didith Atkin has been recognised for her community-focused efforts, receiving the senior citizen of the year from the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes on Australia Day.
Ms Atkin credited the award to her faith and her community, saying the recognition meant “so much” to her after moving to the region 44 years ago.
She founded the Greenbushes Pink Fun Run to raise awareness of breast cancer and to give back to the community and following her own personal battles with cancer three times.
She is a member of Grow Greenbushes and the Greenbushes CWA Belles after moving from the Philippines with her late husband.
“When my husband passed away, I was new to this country with a three-year-old and an eight-month-old baby, and no family around,” Ms Atkin said.
“I have lots of challenges in my life here in Australia, just like with my mum dying while they were on holiday here in Greenbushes.
“When she died, so many people helped me send her body back home. Sending a body to the Philippines is very expensive, and so many people helped me with that.”
Ms Atkin said the Greenbushes community would “always help each other when in times of crisis” — something she had experienced time after time.
“For me, giving back to the community is a way of paying it forward for all the support I received when I needed it most,” she said.
“Over the past nine years, we’ve raised more than $110,000 for the Breast Cancer Network Australia and other worthwhile causes like prostate cancer, autism, and child diabetes.
“Most of the people here in Greenbushes are really very supportive with everything we did. That’s why I love living here.”
Ms Atkin said she knew her children, and her late husband, would be proud of her achievements.
“It’s fantastic to be acknowledged for the work you’ve done,” she said.
“I’m so thankful to God that I’m still here. Maybe I still have another mission to fulfil.”
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