By Leonie Fuge
Local champion Morwenna Harslett was awarded Citizen of the Year 2023 for the southern region of the Southern Downs, unaware that she had even been nominated.
Morwenna Harslett is the business owner of Cherry Lane Nursery in Stanthorpe and keeps herself extra busy by volunteering for six local community groups.
“It was an absolute surprise to win,” said Morwenna. “I had no idea the nomination had even been made. Fellow members of the Granite Belt Choir, Bill and Leonie Welsh had secretly nominated me.“
When the Southern Downs Regional Council officer called Morwenna’s nursery to announce that Morwenna had won, Morwenna thought it was the yearly business call to organise native plants for the Australia Day Citizenships.
“I did a double take,” Morwenna laughed. “She congratulated me on being awarded Citizen of the Year and I said, “you’re joking,“ I had to ask her to repeat what she said.”
Morwenna didn’t know if her award came from the volunteer role she plays with one of her community groups or all combined.
Morwenna has been volunteering her skills and talents to benefit her local community for years with an emphasis on music. Apart from her role as President of Amien’s History Association, Morwenna holds membership in five performing arts community groups which include Granite Belt Choir, both senior and junior, Southern Downs String Ensemble, Border District Eistedord, and Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery.
“I personally get pleasure from the different things I do. If I was to pick one passion it is I am a huge supporter and advocate for the performing arts. I feel very strongly that we need more support for performing arts in this community and this country in general.”
Morwenna has a passion to engage children in the performing arts and believes that her volunteering with the Junior Choir and Southern Downs String Ensemble allows musical and theatrical opportunities for children that wouldn’t otherwise exist in a small town.
Though Morwenna is 41 years young, she has many years of experience volunteering and with six community groups to support she has gained wisdom for the long haul of volunteering.
“You do have to pace yourself and know your limitations. It is important to know that while volunteering is great, family and work need to come first. If you don’t have them going well you can’t put energy into anything else,” said the expert volunteer.
“It is really wonderful I have been given this award, but I couldn’t do it alone. I am on committees with many amazing people working together towards a common goal.”
However, Morwenna was touched that she had been so publically acknowledged for her service.
“Sometimes you feel like you are working really hard and wonder if it is appreciated, but someone has thought highly enough of what I do to put forth a nomination. It is a nice feeling.”
