Tara Murray
It takes a lot to make social worker Kristen Mirchevski speechless, but being named one of the three winners of the Westfield Airport West local heroes would just do that.
The Brimbank resident is one of six finalists in the competition which recognises the work of local volunteers. The three winners, who will each receive a $10,000 grant for an affiliated organisation, will be announced after a public vote.
“It’s pretty special and I’m pretty humbled to be a finalist,” she said.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever been nominated for something like this.
“Anyone in the top six could be named in the top three, they’re all worthy.”
Ms Mirchevski lost her vision in early childhood and has been a long-time client of Vision Australia, which is her affiliated organisation.
Ms Mirchevski decided to give back and become a volunteer for the organisation taking on a number of different roles
“I’ve been vision impaired my whole life, that’s all I’ve known,” she said.
“I’ve got a social work background and I can identify with the clients, as I get it. It makes it easier for me to understand the clients.”
She also runs a support group in Sunshine, called Chatterbox, just add coffee.
Vision Australia will buy computer equipment so volunteers can better manage their clients’ needs if Ms Mirchevski is named one of the winners.
To vote: ow.ly/M3AA50FT6pr
