The Muswellbrook community can celebrate two of their citizens receiving honours in today's Australia Day awards.
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Muswellbrook councillor and Chief Executive Officer, Wanaruah Land Council, De- Anne Douglas and founder of Little Stroke Warriors, and advocate for better services for babies and children who suffer a stroke, Kylie Facer, have both received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division
Both woman felt extremely honoured to be recognised for their tireless volunteer work in De-Anne's case within the Muswellbrook community and for Kylie in community health.
"I am honoured and overwhelmed it is such an amazing honour," said De-Anne who have been involved in improving the lives of many in the Muswellbrook community for 25 years.
"Thank you Dom and Sam from the Muswellbrook PCYC for nominating me for this award. I love what I do, it's my passion and it's what drives me everyday."
She has been a councillor on the Muswellbrook Shire Council, since 2021 and was Vice-President, Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce, 2004-2018.
Her other volunteer work includes being the co-ordinator, Muswellbrook Christmas Food and Toy Appeal, since 2000. and founder, Muswellbrook Community Carols, 1999.
For the last 18 months De-Anne has been the Chief Executive Officer, Wanaruah Land Council and before that Work Placement Coordinator, Blackrock Industries, 2021- 2022.
From 2005 to 2021 she was Senior Manager II, Police Citizens Youth Club.
De-Anne, a Darumbal woman, said her own difficult childhood was one of the reasons she was so passionate about helping others.
"We moved all the time sometimes we were homeless and reliant on charity for food. So I understand how life challenges many in our community," she said.
"But I couldn't do my volunteer work without the support and love of my local community. Muswellbrook community is wonderful and caring."
Kylie Facer's life changed following the birth of her first child a daughter Anika seven years ago.
"She suffered seizures following her birth and was taken from Newcastle Private to JHH neonatal intensive care unit where tests showed she had suffered a stroke," Kylie said.
"We were told she suffered severe brain damage and to basically take her home and love her as the specialists said there was no rehab or treatment suitable for a child her age.
"So we went home with Anika and our lives were completely changed - sadly not as most new parent expect their lives to be after the birth of their child."
Fortunately for the family and Anika, when she was six weeks of age, they were connected to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and that changed their lives again by allowing Anika to receive early intervention treatment and therapies.
"Anika was a trail blazer in terms of treatment for babies who had a stroke and this incredible little girl has thrived thanks to that early intervention," Kylie said.
The complete lack of resources for families like hers prompted Kylie to seek out others in a similar situation which led her to chat through social media to Victorian mother Dee Banks whose daughter had also suffered a stroke.
Together they founded Little Stroke Warriors in 2017.This organisation allowed families from across the country and in New Zealand ,who had babies and children who had strokes, to connect with each other and share resources and knowledge.
"We started our life with Anika with no resources nothing and we hope that by our work through Little Stroke Warriors and with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance other families don't have to start from scratch - they can find help immediately," she said.
"It must be remembered 600 babies and children under 16 years suffer a stroke each year in Australia.
Kylie is a member of Childhood Stroke Lived Experience Advisory Group, 2022.
She has worked with Stroke Foundation Australia on programs and raising awareness about childhood strokes.
"We now have available in print and online our publication All Family Stroke Journey a wonderfull resource.
"All this came about thanks to two little girls."
Kylie is busy advocating for better services for children who have had a stroke in rural and regional areas.
"Where you live should not dictate the health services your child receives," she said.
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
