Colleen's advocacy recognised

AUSTRALIA DAY 2020

There is not much that Colleen Furlanetto has not turned her hand to. The former Strathbogie Shire Councillor and Mayor was presented with an Order of Australia medal (OAM) for her community work particularly in the disability sector. Ms Furlanetto is passionate about policy and reform in the disability and accessibility sectors, which includes being an advocate for people with a disability and senior Victorians. “The award came as a shock, I knew absolutely nothing about it and then when I did find out it was hard keeping a secret from my family,’’ she said. “It was an honour to receive.’’ She was a Councillor with Strathbogie Shire Council from 2008 until 2016 and was elected Mayor in her final year. “It was also a huge honour and opportunity for me working as a Councillor to help to get a voice to decision makers at a State Government level,’’ she said. Her long list of community work includes chairing the Victorian Disability Advisory Council, being the Deputy Chair of Women’s Health Goulburn North East and Inaugural and former chair of the Municipal Association of Victoria Prevention of Violence Against Women Network. In addition, she has been the Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria Disability Commissioner since 2018. “This is an important role in ensuring safe and accessible access to vehicles for all,’’ she said. Ms Furlanetto is also a member of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee. “I enjoy contributing in a positive way,’’ she said humbly. A former nurse of 20 years, Ms Furlanetto said she used her time and knowledge in the health sector in her role as the CFA District 22 Rehabilitation Monitoring Team. “When there is a fire, we are at the staging area to ensure the members are well hydrated and looking after their health,’’ she said. “We want them to go home as safe as possible. “The CFA has been a huge part of my life and something I am very passionate about, I have been a volunteer for more than 20 years.’’ She wears multiple hats at the CFA, which also include the Chair of District 22 Planning Committee and member of the North East Region Inclusion and Fairness Advisory Council. A busy wife, Mum to three and grandmother to two, it is any wonder she was awarded with the top gong this Australia Day for her outstanding and ongoing dedication to the region she has always called home.