The work of Christine Welsh and the Sapphire Community Pantry in supporting our community though the summer bushfires and through the COVID-19 pandemic has earned interstate recognition.
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Ms Welsh, president of the pantry, is one of four finalists in the Awards Australia Connecting Communities Award category of the NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards.
The Tura Beach resident is in fact the second Bega Valley finalist in the category, as the entire community of Cobargo's district has also made the shortlist.
"I do find it a bit embarrassing because it isn't about me; [the pantry] wouldn't exist if not for the people who support it," Ms Welsh said.
"It's a community effort, it's not one person.
"But I happily accept the nomination, I'm very humbled and pleased the work we've been doing has been recognised and I wish Cobargo all the best!"
She said it has been a "real challenging year", with the pantry involved in a huge amount of work supporting the region.
During the bushfire emergency the pantry was a centrepoint for people who needed goods and food, and its volunteers worked in the kitchen at the Bega Showground to support evacuees and assisted with the food deliveries.
Ms Welsh said the pantry was approached by the charity GIVIT to assist them to find out what people needed so GIVIT could source it, becoming involved with donations such as generators and vacuums.
"The random arrival of old clothing and things that the Valley was flooded with caused more problems that it solved," she said.
"It wasn't what people needed at that moment.
"It's finding the need and getting the stuff at the right time and to the right place, that's been a big challenge."
The pantry has been donating food, has extended its hours at its Bega store, and has been running mobile pantries to Bemboka and Quaama.
But also, it has assisted on an individual level, such as supporting a woman with six children who had lost their home in the fires.
"I hope we've been a place where people think of if they need something or need help," Ms Welsh said.
"Even if we don't have what you need we can try to get it, we won't turn you away."
The award winners will be announced on November 20.
Albert McKnight
Journalist at Bega District News.
Journalist at Bega District News.
