By Tania Martin
A TRUE blue Australia spirit, Patsy Parnall of Cockatoo was awarded the town’s Citizen of the Year as a part of Australia Day celebrations last week.
Ms Parnall said she still couldn’t believe she had been nominated for such an award.
Patsy, a first lieutenant with the Cockatoo Fire Brigade, is known around town for her role in teaching fire awareness to school children.
She has been a member of the Cockatoo brigade for more than 18 years, but said she has been lending a helping hand for the brigade for 25 years.
Ms Parnall teaches local school children how to behave during a fire and runs both a summer and a winter program.
She also highlights for children and local residents the importance of having a bushfire survival plan.
Ms Parnall also is known for helping anyone around town who needs a helping hand.
Humbled by the Australia Day award, Ms Parnall still couldn’t believe she had been nominated.
“Wow, was my first thought. Because I don’t mind helping people, and Cockatoo is just a great town to live in because it makes everyone welcome,” she said.
