General News
4 February, 2025
Dimboola volunteer recognised
Longtime community volunteer Janet Pilmore has become the second recipient of Hindmarsh Shire's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ms Pilmore said she couldn't believe it when she was told she would be presented with the award during this year's Australia Day ceremony and had a moment of "Is this for real?" when she first found out.
"You don't expect any awards or medals when you volunteer, you just do it," she said.
She said mayor Ron Ismay rang to congratulate her and she was told not to say anything.
"So I didn't tell anybody – it was a surprise for everyone," she said.
"My family, who still live in Dimboola, normally come to the Australia Day ceremony so I didn't have to convince them to go."
The Hindmarsh Lifetime Achievement Award was created by councillors in 2024 to recognise a person who has continuously contributed to the community for several years, whether it be through volunteering, running a local business, offering a helping hand when needed and/or being a positive advocate for the community and its people.
Ms Pilmore has been involved in the Dimboola community for many decades across many organisations and causes.
She has served with the CFA Ladies' Auxiliary, preparing food for firefighters during emergencies and organising fundraising events.
"My grandparents were involved in the fire brigade for many years so that's where I started," Ms Pilmore said.
"I would help out around the station and polish equipment."
From then on she has continued her service to the CFA, taking Dimboola Girl Guides groups to the station for training sessions.
"Some even joined the brigade and many are still involved with them," she said.
Ms Pilmore was a member of the Dimboola Garden Club, where she contributed to local beautification projects, until the club disbanded in 2009.
She was a supervisor of Dimboola Gateway Shop for 35 years, looking over its day-to-day operations, and saw it become a cornerstone for the success of Dimboola Girl Guides.
Ms Pilmore has been heavily involved with Dimboola Girl Guides for many years, empowering young girls by instilling values such as self-confidence and providing them opportunities to learn vital life skills.
Her on-and-off membership saw her first become a guide at 16 years of age and continue for a few years before taking a break.
She returned when she was 28 years old, when her daughter joined the group.
"They were short on leaders so I decided to become one," Ms Pilmore said.
In 1994 she became a leader before dropping back again on duties.
She renewed her Guide promise in 2014 when she was asked to become district manager, organising camps, mentoring future leaders and ensuring the continued success of the program.
"It's coming up to almost 50 years of service with the guides," she said.
Ms Pilmore has been helping out where she can at markets, selling fresh fruit and vegetables as well as manning barbecues to fundraise for Dimboola Girl Guides.
"I've been very fortunate to be able to give my time freely," she said.
Ms Pilmore said she encouraged everyone to get involved in the community.
"It's important to give back to your own town," she said.
"You should do something; it's important to support these groups,"
"They're the ones that keep the town going."
Hindmarsh mayor Ron Ismay presented Ms Pilmore with her award at Dimboola's Australia Day ceremony.
“Janet has consistently demonstrated exceptional service, compassion and commitment to creating a stronger community for many years," Cr Ismay said.
"Her contributions have left a legacy in Dimboola, making her an important member of the Hindmarsh community.”
