Pat Manser - Tatong Achievement Award

Pat is recognised for her outstanding dedication and commitment to the Tatong and wider community and in particular her volunteer efforts in helping others in need during tough times.

Pat is an active community member and is President of the Tatong Memorial Hall Committee of Management. Her successful ability to apply for grants has seen many improvements and upgrades to the Hall.

Talented with arts and crafts Pat is an active group member involved with the successful Tatong Art Show that forms part of the Benalla Festival Program.

Following the Black Saturday fires in 2008 Pat made quilts for families who had lost everything.  Many hours of sewing went into these beautiful quilts.

During the 2018-19 drought, Pat organised grants from Benalla Rural City Council and the Victorian Farmer’s Federation to hire a bus to take farmers in the Tatong community and surrounding districts to Yarrawonga for a cruise and meal on Lake Mulwala.  Invitations were printed up and sent out, many phone calls made and the 62 seater bus was full!  This was a great event to get farmers away from the constant feeding of stock and carting of water. 

Early in 2020 after the fires and before the impacts of the COVID pandemic, Pat wanted to help women around the Corryong district who had been affected by or burnt out during the fires. Pat made 20 beautiful bags to fill with craft items and purchased craft supplies and organised financial support through the Benalla Lions Club.  Community members also donated to the bags.  With the help of some members of the Tatong Girl’s Shed these bags were filled with lots of interesting supplies to give women affected by the fires some hope during this very difficult time. Pat then found a contact in Corryong and so bags were delivered to her to pass on to ladies who she knew were not coping.  Bags were also delivered to Mallacoota. A huge task over many months.

Pat is a very talented and resourceful person who is generous with her time and considerate of others and is recognised for the work she does in the community and beyond to help people who are going through difficult times and disasters.

Congratulations Pat on all you do for the Tatong community.