Hero Joe recognised for decades of service

Springvale Benevolent Society’s president has been recognised for decades of service to the charity.
Joe Rechichi was named a Community Superhero at the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club’s Community Superhero event at its recent Melbourne Cup night.
The 71-year-old has been a part of the society for more than 30 years and has held the president role for the past 15 years.
The emergency welfare agency provides food vouchers, furniture, blankets and hampers to those in need within the City of Greater Dandenong.
“It was a big surprise,” Mr Rechichi said.
“I feel very humble to receive such an award.
“A lot of people in the City of Greater Dandenong do a lot of wonderful things.
“You don’t do the work to receive something in return, you do it because you love to do it.
“To lead the Springvale Benevolent Society is a big job, we took a hit a few years ago but we’ve bounced back to be the most outstanding free service in the community.”
Mr Rechichi and his family migrated from Italy to Australia in 1964 after struggling post-war.
“When we came to Australia I realised that I was very lucky, that’s what made me want to do more for the community as I know what it’s like to go without,” he said.
He was named Greater Dandenong’s Citizen of the Year in 2012.
“All these things you can’t do yourself, I have an excellent team,” he said.
“To me I try to put others first, I couldn’t do this without my family’s support.
“My wife is my rock, without her I couldn’t do it.”
The Community Superhero award came with a $2500 travel voucher and $2500 cheque for the Springvale Benevolent Society.
Mr Rechichi said it was the perfect time of the year to receive such a gift.
“The prize could not come at a better time with Christmas around the corner,” he said.
“We can now upgrade our budget for the month, which means we can be more generous for our clients.”
For almost 30 years he has also been the Springvale Italian Seniors Club co-ordinator, providing a meeting place for elderly Italians to get together for social outings.
The award came from the Greyhound Community Fund.
The joint Sandown Greyhound Racing Club and Greyhounds Entertainment program extends financial support to non-profits that support Greater Dandenong in health, recreation and community events.