Dedicated volunteer in a class of her own

Citizen of the year

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2022 Citizen of the Year, Deborah Kachel. Deborah has contributed more than 50 years’ service to various charities. IMAGE: Supplied

A FORMER local high school principal who volunteers to care for palliative care patients and provide support for people diagnosed with cancer is Douglas Shire’s Citizen of the Year.

Former Mossman State High School Principal, Deborah Kachel, has contributed more than 50 years’ service to various charities such as the Leukaemia Foundation, Pink in the Tropics breast cancer support group, and Friends of Mossman Hospital Foundation.

Related: Australia Day Awards; Full list of Douglas Shire's Award winners

As the first local female deacon, she travels weekly between Cairns and Mossman hospitals to support vulnerable patients.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said in addition to her prolific volunteering efforts, Deborah is a wonderful mother, wife, and friend to many in Douglas Shire.

“Deborah epitomises what volunteering for your local community is about,” he said.

“Her dedication and unwavering support for people who are often battling through the most challenging periods of their lives is truly inspiring.

“I would like to congratulate Deborah and thank her for tireless efforts for our community.”

Deborah was one of eight award recipients at the 2022 Australia Day Awards, which was broadcast via Council’s website and Facebook page earlier today.

Ms Kachel said she was humbled to receive the award and thanked everyone who helped her over the years.

“Without the community, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do as individuals and groups,” she said.

“This really isn’t about me; it is about all the groups of people I have worked with over the years.

“You don’t do things on your own, you always work with others and those teams of people have been absolutely amazing.

“My parents set a wonderful example for me. I was very blessed to have a family that were very supportive of everything we attempted to do and encouraged us to give back to the community.”

You can watch her full speech at the Australia Day Awards 2022 presentation at Council’s website and YouTube channel.

Mayor Kerr said all award recipients had gone above and beyond for the local community. “Whether they are representing Douglas on the sporting stage, enriching our region through art, or preserving our environment and culture, every award winner has demonstrated a real passion for Douglas Shire,” he said.

“I would like to congratulate everyone who was nominated for an award which in itself is a fantastic achievement.”.

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