Cohuna local nominated for community hero award

This award acknowledges individuals who make a significant contribution at a local level in regional and rural communities in Victoria.

Ms Mostyn said she was honoured to be nominated and hopes these competitions help promote others to get involved in their community.

“These competitions help raise awareness of what people are doing in the community,” she said.

“It shows that it is more achievable for others to get involved in their community as there isn’t anything special about me, I’ve just looked at things that I could contribute and had a go.”

Ms Mostyn and her family moved to Cohuna 10 years ago.

“Sometimes getting involved in communities can be a bit daunting when you are new to a town, but it doesn’t have to be,” she said.

“I think in small towns, the impact of any sort of involvement can be significant.

“Obviously it is quite rewarding but you can really see the changes that your work is bringing about and the community is so important in small towns.

During a four-year period, Ms Mostyn started, ran and managed the Cohuna Farmers and Makers Market, on a volunteer basis.

“In my business I make soaps and skincare products, so I was attending regional markets across regional Victoria,” she said.

“We didn’t have a monthly market here.

“I just thought Cohuna is such a bright and supportive town that it could justify having a monthly market.

“I thought it would be great to have a marketplace where everyone comes together once a month and can connect as a community.”

She also spoke about volunteering her time to the Startup Central Victoria Accelerator Program and mentoring two participants of the program, providing them with valuable business advice and insights.

“I was a little bit nervous when I was first asked if I’d liked to be invited to involved,” Ms Mostyn said.

“At first I was a bit unsure as to if I’d add value, but I think it’s one of those things that you don’t actually know until you have the conversation and they are asking you questions.

“You then realise you do have advice to give people because you have the answers to those questions.

Ms Mostyn has been in business for seven years and said you learn a lot from starting from scratch.

“It was great to be able to teach those that are in the same place I was when I started,” she said.

“It’s a juggle to balance volunteering and work.

“But now that I am full-time working with my business, it has made my endeavours in the community a lot more possible.”

Ms Mostyn said up until a couple years ago, she had a job outside of her business so everyday was a work day for her and there was “no such thing as a weekend.”

“But now I try to dedicate a certain amount of time each week to keeping things going to create new ideas for events that I’d like to work on,” she said.

“If there is something that you feel is lacking in the community, don’t wait for someone else to put their hands up to bring change or action.

“You can be the person that can make that change and gets involved in the community.”

The awards will be presented on Friday, November 11.