Gerald Lynch
Greenvale resident Heather Lorraine Stringer was among the hundreds recognised in the Australia Day Honours List.
Heather has been honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division, marking a significant recognition of her enduring and substantial contributions to youth in Victoria.
Mrs Stringer has a remarkable record of service, particularly in her work with Scouts Victoria. Her roles have been varied and impactful, including serving as an honorary commissioner and a member of the district personnel committee for the Moonee Valley District from 2012 to 2020.
Her dedication to inclusivity and diversity in scouting is evident from her tenure as the State Commissioner for Scouts With Special Needs from 2002 to 2005.
Further, she led as the state commissioner for Venturer Scouts from 1993 to 2000, overseeing significant growth and development in this vital youth sector.
Her leadership skills were also on display when she was the camp chief and Chief Director for the Australian Venture Camp in Victoria between 1999 and 2000. Prior to this, she contributed as the Assistant State Commissioner for Venturer Scouts from 1989 to 1993 and took on the role of Regional Activity Leader from 1986 to 1989. Mrs. Stringer’s journey with the Scouts began as an Assistant Leader at the Strathmore Venturer Unit from 1983 to 1989 and even earlier as a Cub Scout Leader at the 4th Ivanhoe Unit from 1960 to 1964.
Beyond her work with Scouts Victoria, Mrs Stringer has also been deeply involved in the field of education, particularly focusing on children with special needs. She served as a teacher’s aide and school services officer in special needs schools across North-West Melbourne from 1976 to 1993 and again from 2001 to 2010. Her commitment to education continued as she volunteered as a Teacher’s Aide since 2011.
Moreover, she contributed to the community as a calisthenics coach at the Strathmore Heights Calisthenics Club from 1975 to 1980.
Mrs Stringer’s dedication and service have been recognized through numerous awards. These include the Unsung Heroes Community Award in 2022 from the Rotary Club of Broadmeadows for her outstanding dedication to West Meadows Primary School, the National President’s Award from Scouts Australia in 2019, the Silver Emu in 2000, the Silver Acorn in 1996, and the Medal of Merit in 1991, all from Scouts Victoria.
