Sunbury local Lesley McCarthy has been recognised at the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
Ms McCarthy was recognised by the Council of the Ageing Victoria Senior Achiever Awards at the ceremony on Wednesday 22 October, and was awarded for her passion for volunteering.
Following a career in education, Ms McCarthy’s passion for lifelong learning continues through volunteering.
She has been a member of the Flemington Kensington Rotary for over 20 years, has been involved with Footscray’s Rotary Donations in Kind, as well as actively volunteering in her community in Sunbury.
She has also held a number of board positions throughout her long-standing career, but her biggest impact is seen through her work with children.
Ms McCarthy leads the 1000 Stories Project and Djerring Hub playgroup programs, which help children from all backgrounds access reading materials and improve vocabulary.
The playgroup holiday program provides books, games and puzzles for children who speak English as a second language.
The 1000 Stories Project provides free books to every child each time they visit the Moonee Valley Maternal and Child Health Service.
In her community in Sunbury, you can find her at the local op shop, visiting schools, or coaching netball, and often empowers others in the community to get involved and works tirelessly to make her community a better place.
