There are many people in the Katherine region who do not hesitate to go the extra mile to make a difference to the lives of their friends, families and the community they live in. Those people are often quiet achievers who do not get the recognition they deserve. To celebrate quiet achievers in the region the Katherine Times - with the support of Nitmiluk Tours - proudly presents this week’s Community Hero.
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THEY say food can be a way to reach not just stomachs, but hearts as well, and Katherinite Chris Beane has certainly touched many in the local community over the seven years in which she has partnered the Smith Family in running the ‘Breakfast with a Mentor’ at MacFarlane Primary School.
The 58-year-old has worked tirelessly at the MacFarlane canteen for the past ten years, and those around her have not failed to notice that she is a true, and typically humble, hero of the community.
“Chris is of incredible value to the school and community,” Community Development Worker with the Smith Family, Rebecca Godfrey said.
“She, along with equally dedicated Donna Fairclough and Katherine High School Year 12 student, Reagan Hughes, work tirelessly for the breakfast program.”
To Rodney Beane, his wife’s skills as a cook, and her love of children has always been something which defines her.
“We came to Katherine Christmas of 1995, and we had left Victoria with not very much,” Mr Beane said.
“But, Chris soon found work, and we made a life here. We have four children, and nine grand children now.
“When I wake up at ten to six in the morning, Chris is usually driving out the driveway to get to school and get the food ready, and she doesn’t leave until about 3pm,” Mr Beane said.
“On Sundays, she goes in to do the shopping for food for the kids so that it’s fresh for Monday morning.”
MacFarlane’s assistant principal, Marie Bryans, said Chris doesn’t think twice about going the extra mile.
“Chris has been at the school since January 2004, and she runs the whole canteen.
“She is here at 6am each morning, she gets breakfast ready, which starts at 7am and runs until 8am,” Ms Bryans said.
“She has a great rapport with the kids and parents.”
Kerri Hughes, who works at MacFarlane, and is mum to Reagan Hughes, said Chris does more than just feed the children.
“She reads to them, talks with them, she just puts such a lot of effort in.”
Every week the Community Hero celebrated in the Katherine Times receives a $50 Nitmiluk Gorge meal voucher.
NOMINATE a quiet achiever and receive a $15 Nitmiluk Gorge meal voucher if your nominee features as the next Community Hero.
Email the name and a brief description of your hero’s achievements (and a photo if you have one) to
editor.kathtimes@ruralpress.com or ring the Katherine Times on 8972 1111.
To read about Katherine's other community heroes, follow the links: