DONNA Thomassen is Logan’s Citizen of the Year for 2015.
Ms Thomassen was bestowed the honour on Monday during a local Australia Day awards ceremony.
After working for many years as a social worker, upon retirement Ms Thomassen had no desire to stop helping others.
For more than 10 years, she has been volunteering with PACT, a not-for-profit organisation which works with children who are going through the court system, offering support and protection to young people in what is mostly an alien world.
She has assisted 422 children and young people in the process, and said it is a rewarding and challenging task.
“Sometimes I am working with these children for 18 months, sometimes it is five years,” she said.
“These children have been through trauma anyway so it’s pretty tough and they need someone there with them.
“The relief of the families when they realise their child will have someone with them is so rewarding – and so is the fact that our organisation is now extremely respected in legal circles.
“PACT is a Queensland organisation with 100 members but is respected throughout the country, so this award is really for everyone within the organisation and the work they do.”
Ms Thomassen said she had no idea she would receive the award.
“I am stunned really – I had no idea I would be chosen,” she said.
“There’s a bit of shock and awe at the moment. My family came here, too, as a surprise, and it’s all just really unexpected.”
Click here to read about the Young Citizen of the Year Sam Escobar.
Click here to read about the Spirit of Logan award winner Aunty Heather Castledine.
