Pingelly’s Ellen Cook wins the Spirit Super connecting communities category at 7News Young Achiever Awards

Pingelly’s community spirit shone brightly at the 7News Young Achiever Awards night as local Ellen Cook was honoured for her part in bringing the town together. Ms Cook was awarded the Spirit Super connecting communities award out of four nominees at the gala celebration at Pan Pacific Perth on June 7. The award celebrates young individuals who are driving forces and demonstrate genuine involvement in their community’s future. The 30-year-old was humble as she reflected on her win, which she said was “still very unreal” and that she “didn’t think I had a chance”. “I know I have one of the greatest support networks in any community that you can have,” Ms Cook said. “It’s good for the younger generation coming through and seeing that they can do things for their community. “It’s a beautiful community — it’s great for Pingelly to be recognised and to know that our programs make a difference.” Ms Cook has played an integral role in the Pingelly community as the shire’s community development officer, co-ordinating programs like the Noongar Youth Group and Age is Just a Number, as well as volunteering as the secretary at the Pingelly RSL. Ms Cook said she was most proud of her Age is Just a Number program where seniors and primary students take part in creative activities together where they can learn and experience life from different perspectives. “We do what we do because we love to help people, not because we want accolades or recognition,” she said. “You can’t change the world in a day, but if you don’t try you’ll never know.”