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Bendigo businesswoman Sue DeAraugo feels “a bit humbled, really” to be one of six recipients of the inaugural Bendigo Women’s Community Achievement Awards.
“I just do what I do without thinking too much about it,” she said.
The mother of three is an integral member of Bendigo Toyota, which she and husband Paul took over in 2001.
Through their business, Mrs DeAraugo has formed long-standing relationships with Bendigo Health Foundation, Bendigo Spirit and The Otis Foundation.
“I get enjoyment out of watching things develop,” she said.
“When I first joined the Bendigo Spirit board, it was in its infancy – I knew nothing about basketball, at that stage.”
Mrs DeAraugo has been involved with The Otis Foundation since its launch, more than 10 years ago.
“I was approached by Andrew Barling [Otis founder] to sponsor their inaugural event,” Mrs DeAraugo said.
“We have been part of that organisation, as far as their golf day goes, for a number of years.”
Mrs DeAraugo has been a member of the Bendigo Health Foundation board for the past eight years.
“I was approached by the then general manager about nine years ago to help out with fundraising,” Mrs DeAraugo said.
“We workshopped an idea and ended up giving them the use of a car for their fundraising purposes.”
Bendigo Toyota is also involved in Bendigo Foodshare and Righteous Pups, under the guidance of Mrs DeAraugo.
“Bendigo is a very generous community – whenever there is somebody in need, usually the community comes together to assist,” she said.
The awards are the initiative of The Hindsight Club and will be presented during a Bendigo Ladies Day Out fundraiser at Bendigo Stadium on Saturday.
“We believe it is extremely important people who are out there doing great things are recognised and we are thrilled we are in a position where we can recognise them,” committee member Paul Byrne said.
The Ladies Day Out is also a fundraiser for the Annie North Women’s Crisis Refuge Centre.
Tickets are $75 and are available from Bendigo Stadium on 5440 6200.