Judy D’Attoma is a Bacchus Marsh mother and grandmother who believes Community, love and family are the most important things in life. She also is the 2023 Moorabool Citizen of the Year and runs a successful charity. She spoke to Liam McNally about Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward and her connection to Moorabool.
Tell us about your work with Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward?
I have been running our community charity for several years and it has been very successful. Monetary donations are collected via charity money boxes in over 40 businesses in town and banked at Bendigo Community Bank. This money is used to provide meal vouchers and we have distributed over $20,000 worth in our Shire. We also ran a project between March and April this year called Coin for a Cause. 40 businesses were involved by either directly donating or participating by donating one dollar from each sale for one day. In total we raised $10,444 in four weeks and were able to purchase Cosy Packs which consist of an Oodie style blanket, thermal socks, gloves and beanies. They were distributed via several organisations in town to those who needed it most during the cold weather. We purchased 120 items of each and catered for young and old alike. It was very successful thanks to our incredible community and business owners who never hesitate to come on board to assist the vulnerable. We also have a food donation box at Champions IGA, a Community Pantry and our own vegetable garden at Paul Sadler Swimland.
What’s your connection to Moorabool?
I remember driving through Bacchus Marsh many times as a child when my parents used to visit friends in Ballarat. I always loved the Avenue of Honour and felt a connection with the rolling hills and open spaces. It was a no-brainer to move here, it is just beautiful.
What do you like about where you live?
I absolutely love where I live, near the hills and across the road from a short walk to the river. The air is clean and it is very quiet especially after moving from a very busy area. There is an abundance of wildlife and I really love that. Everyone is friendly and although it is growing at a fast pace, it still feels like a small community especially when others are doing it tough. People always seem to pitch in.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
The speed at which it is growing, I have concerns it will lose its town feel.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Definitely by the river at the Gorge. It is so peaceful and I feel very connected to nature. I also enjoy going out for lunch or a coffee at one of our many wonderful cafes in town. The relationships that have been formed because of the charity makes it feel like I’m visiting family instead of a business.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I am a semi-professional vocalist in a band and we have been working together for over 20 years doing private and public gigs in various locations.
