After experiencing the unimaginable loss of her daughter two years ago, Michelle Bordignon has found respite in her work with the Griffith community.
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Mrs Bordignon founded the Facebook group Griffith Helping Hands in 2017 which sees her source, collect and distribute tonnes of clothing, bedding and household goods for people in need around the region.
This Australia Day she has been honoured with the Local Hero award, recognised for her endless dedication to helping those in need in the community.
"I was a little shocked to receive a nomination because I won Citizen of the Year back in 2015 when I was running the Carevan and Meals on Wheels. So when I got the nomination the other day it shocked me," Mrs Bordignon said.
"It feels beautiful, it's really touching. The work has helped me a lot after losing our daughter."
Two years ago Mrs Bordignon and her family experienced the nightmare of losing their daughter and sister, Stella, to suicide.
"Stella was beautiful; a lovely kid. She had a very kind heart," Mrs Bordignon said.
"I had to stop. I stopped for about four months because I couldn't think. But then I have to admit, I decided I'd start again because doing it was a form of mindfulness for me."
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Mrs Bordignon explained that sorting and organising goods and then delivering them to people who were doing it tough in the region gave her reprieve from her grief and lifted her energy for life again.
"Little things like that lifts your spirit. It doesn't fix your heart but it does lift your spirit," she said.
"There are a lot of people doing it tough out there. You don't see it but there is a lot and I think if we can help we should."
Griffith City Council Mayor John Dal Broi who has the tough job of deciding the Local Hero award said that what Mrs Bordignon and her family continue to do for the community is 'outstanding'.
"What this couple has achieved and what they continue to achieve is outstanding. Particularly what they do helping the disadvantaged in the community," Cr. Dal Broi said.
"When a child predeceases you the hurt is unbearable. Michelle could've given up but she didn't, she continued to work for the community.
"Michelle you deserve it and on behalf of the Council I want to thank you."
Mrs Bordignon accepted the honour by thanking the Griffith community for the enduring support and reminding everyone to empathise with others.
"I have to say that I am very proud to be a born and bred Griffith person when we have such beautiful people in this town that help me all the time," she said.
"My mantra is kindness is everything. You don't judge. You just help."
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