Laurieton couple Colin and Kathy Mangan have been named the Coles Community Hero Award winners for their region and runners-up in the state finals after being recognised for their outstanding contribution to the community.
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Colin and Kathy, who work at Coles in Laurieton and Lighthouse Beach respectively, were selected from 13 supermarkets in the region encompassing Forster to Narrabri.
As part of a national campaign to recognise "unsung community heroes" in its supermarkets, Coles Express and liquor outlets across Australia, Coles is recognising team members who are passionate about their community, and helping them to do more for their chosen cause.
For their regional award, the couple has received $300 in gift cards and 40 hours of free work time to continue to support their community organisation during paid work.
Colin and Kathy have supported the Lorne Rural Fire Service for many years. During this time, the couple has helped with emergencies both in the local area and across state. They have also been involved in a number of community engagement programs including educating local school children about fire awareness and helping to raise $33,000 for the Rural Fire Service.
Coles regional manager Craig Feuz congratulated Colin and Kathy on receiving the award.
"Colin and Cathy's contribution to the community has been nothing short of amazing," he said.
"Coles has played a role in Australian communities for 100 years and as part of our centenary celebrations we wanted to recognise our team members who are so dedicated to giving back to their communities."
"In every town and suburb across this region, we know we have team members who are quietly going to great lengths to help their community by volunteering their time to their chosen community organisation."
Colin said he was delighted to receive the award, which was judged by the regional manager, a second Coles team member and community representative.
"In 1991, I was involved in a serious car accident and I had to spend six months in rehabilitation learning to use my left leg again. I have now been a senior deputy captain for the Local Rural Fire Service for 17 years, it's an amazing way to give back," he said.
Kathy said that seeing the achievement Colin felt when working for the Rural Fire Service encouraged her to join the team herself.
"I joined the Rural Fire Service a few years after Colin and have been a deputy captain for the last 12 years. My goal was to encourage other local women to join what was once quite a male-dominated team. Coles has always been extremely understanding and supportive of our fire fighting duties, so it is great to win this award."