Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
CAROLYN Rasmussen has served the Long Gully community for 25 years.
On Tuesday, they gave some love right back to her.
The Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre and other community centres from the Bendigo area came together to support and thank their esteemed co-ordinator.
Carolyn, referred to as Carol by her colleagues, started work in 1984 in a playgroup and from there was promoted to Long Gully co-ordinator.
Carol said it was a privilege to work in the sector, making friends while interacting with the Long Gully community.
"The community has taught me just as much as I have taught them," she said.
"I have loved seeing people grow up.
"It's been lovely, I hope the community continues to grow."
Jodie Watt and Candice Bergman said that Carolyn was like a mum to them.
Debbie Steele has worked for the centre for three-and-a-half years with Carol mentoring her throughout that time.
"She brought out my confidence and gave me the ability to approach people," she said.
"She taught me how to relate to other people.
"It's going to be hard to find a new co-ordinator like her," she said.
Kangaroo Flat Community House co-ordinator Elaine McNamara has worked with Carol for 18 years.
"Carol has been a tower of strength, a good sounding board," she said.
"She is an excellent person to work with, a real co-ordinator who is willing to do anything.
"She is going to be greatly missed by every campus."
Debbie Wylie and Deanne Cameron described Carol as friendly, outgoing, helpful and irreplaceable.
Bendigo Community House co-ordinator Angelique Whitehouse has only known Carol for four years.
She is often amazed at how easy Carol makes such a big job appear.
"She sets the standard," she said.
"She is also a really good support for the other neighbourhood houses, which is really important.
"It's a tough job."
In retirement Carol plans to travel and go back to the community house as a volunteer.
She brought out my confidence and gave me the ability to approach people. She taught me how to relate to other people.
- Debbie Steele