Heike Bee: Big impact in a small community
In a town of fewer than 100 residents, the contribution of one person can be mighty, and their impact felt among all. This is the case with Doodlakine, a suburb of the Kellerberrin region of WA some 220km east of Perth, and Heike Bee.
“My husband and I moved to the Wheatbelt 20 years ago and settled in Doodlakine,” Heike explained to Auspire. “I decided the best way in meeting people was to join a club or community group, and I became the secretary and treasurer of the Doodlakine Community Committee after a few months of our arrival. We are a group of people who come together to build their community through social activities while fostering a sense of community spirit.”
Over the years, Heike, who was born in Germany, has managed and maintained the running of the committee, including the Bowling Club, Agricultural Hall and Ollie’s bar. She has also organised several community functions, perhaps most notably an event celebrating the Doodlakine Agricultural Hall’s Centenary in June 2023.
The centenary celebration involved market stalls, morning tea, lunch, entertainment and historical displays. There was also a Welcome to Country followed by unveiling of a memorial stone and plaque to commemorate the centenary. The event rolled into the evening with a dinner dance featuring live music and cutting of the cake by the eldest Doodlakine resident, Elsie Chandler. Heike even coordinated a series of improvements to the hall, so it was looking polished for the event. For pursuing and delivering a successful event that brought the community together, Heike was nominated for a 2024 Community Citizen of the Year Award and announced as the recipient at Shire of Kellerberrin‘s Australia Day brunch.
Speaking about why she contributes, Heike told Auspire: “Personally, I like to contribute to the community because it keeps me socially connected and my mind active. It broadly keeps everyone one also connected.”
For a very small community with very few immediate residents, Doodlakine is lucky to have such a dedicated stalwart keeping continuity of the town’s only social and cultural hub.
To nominate a dedicated community member for a Community Citizen of the Year Award, visit citizenshipawards.com.au