Felicity Hardy never imagined that an Australia Day award would raise so much awareness about a basketball program she helps run at Whittlesea YMCA.
The volunteer was named Whittlesea’s access and inclusion citizen of the year in 2015, recognising the 15 years she has spent inspiring people of all abilities to give basketball a go.
The Saturday program provides opportunities for people with a disability to be involved in the sport.
Since receiving her Australia Day award, Ms Hardy, pictured, has seen an increase in awareness of the program, which has grown to about 80 participants.
“My family was very proud of the award, but more than anything, it recognised a great program, and for me, that’s what it is all about,” she said.
“Through social media, people got to know about my award and the program, giving more people access to it.”
Ms Hardy is encouraging others to nominate for the council’s 2017 Australia Day awards, which include the city’s citizen, senior citizen, young citizen and its access and inclusion citizen of the year.
Nominations close on Friday, November 25.
Details: www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au
