Celebrating Nillumbik Women 2009 - Nillumbik Shire Council

Helen Kenney
Nominated by Carolyn Gray
Helen has been a resident of Nillumbik
for many years. She is the mother of eight
children aged between 32 and 10 years old.
She is also a grandmother.
Helen has been a long standing member of
St Andrews CFA, which she joined to provide
support for her son when he joined. Helen
was appointed Captain in 2008.
During the fires that devastated our Shire
in February, Helen was amazing. The fire
surrounded her home but fortunately, did
not burn it down. Yet, she spent all her time
coordinating the efforts of not only the St
Andrews Brigade but strike teams from all
over Victoria. This involved not only ensuring
fire trucks were manned and on the ground,
but also ensuring everyone was fed, rested
and safe. For a month, Helen was at the
station, sometimes all day. She also provided
emotional support to her team and others,
their families and members of the local
community who relied on her to alleviate fear
and provide some sense of security.
During this time, she put her life on hold to
support all those who needed her not only
with practical issues, but for advice, love,
cuddles, tears and all that each individual
she encountered needed. An amazing
woman!