By Danielle Kutchel
One of Springvale’s most prominent advocates for the less fortunate, Teresa Rechichi, has been named a Living Treasure of Greater Dandenong in the city’s 2021 Australia Day Awards.
The recognition follows the awarding of an OAM to her husband, Joe, in the national 2021 Australia Day Honours.
Together, the couple have devoted hundreds of hours of time and energy to the community of Springvale.
At the award ceremony on Australia Day, Mrs Rechichi was described as “a tireless advocate for the underprivileged [with] the tenacity to get other people involved.”
Born in Italy as one of ten children, Mrs Rechichi has lived in Springvale for 58 years.
She migrated to Australia with her family when she was just two years old.
As an adult, she quickly threw herself into community work and has been involved with the Springvale Benevolent Society for 34 years.
She’s also been part of the Springvale Italian Senior Citizens Club for 32, and was secretary there for 24 years.
As a member, she helps organise activities like lunches and weekend trips.
Mrs Rechichi said the club aims to “get the elderly out of their homes, to socialise, provide companionship and cultural traditions and update them on local issues”.
“It’s important that the elderly are not left behind,” she added.
In 1988, Mrs Rechichi became a councillor for what was then known as the City of Springvale. During her time as councillor she served as a board member of the then-Dandenong Water Board as well as other organisations.
Mrs Rechichi said receiving the Living Treasure Award was “a great privilege and honour”.
“I have only lived in Springvale and over the years Springvale have seen many changes, all for the better. I take an interest in all that goes on in the City of Greater Dandenong, and where possible try to have some input,” she explained.
“My husband and I work tirelessly for the Springvale Benevolent Society, as we see first-hand the need that families require especially to ensure that children do not go hungry.
“The Springvale Benevolent Society is 100 percent voluntary and the society has a group of excellent volunteers devoted to helping the less fortunate in the community.”
Describing herself as a quiet achiever, Mrs Rechichi said she plans to continue to contribute to Springvale to ensure that “all gets done”.
She and Joe have two children, Grace and Domenic, and four grandchildren, Christian, Nicholas, Marissa and Lucas.
