By Belinda Nolan
FOR Lillian and Vincent Calleja, community service has always been a family affair.
And thanks to their good deeds, the Deer Park couple now boast not one, but two, Medals of the Order Of Australia.
Vincent received the award in 2009 and last week it was wife Lillian’s turn to be honoured – the 79-year-old being recognised for outstanding service to the West’s Maltese community.
Originally from Malta, the pair came to Australia in 1955 and quickly cemented their reputations as community crusaders.
The couple would often open their door to newly arrived migrants, who had no family and nowhere to stay.
For more than five decades, the Callejas have worked tirelessly for the Maltese community, fundraising and promoting their heritage through cultural events.
Lillian’s friends and family say she never has an idle moment – and has her finger in many pies.
A social secretary of the Newport Maltese Association for the past 30 years, Lillian has received numerous awards, including Brimbank’s Citizen of the Year. She was even blessed by Pope John Paul II.
Despite her achievements, Lillian said she was surprised to learn she’d been nominated for the honour.
“I was so shocked, I was speechless,” Lillian said.
“I couldn’t say one word.”
But the award came as no surprise to her family.
“She does so much for the community, it was only a matter of time before she was recognised for it,” daughter Maria said.
“She is always on the go, always doing something for someone.
“When we were growing up, we used to joke that we kids came second to the Newport Maltese Association.”
Known as the “woman with the white patch on her head,” after her trademark white locks, Lillian said she derived great joy from volunteering.
“Wherever we go, she is always stopped because everyone knows her,” Maria said.
Lillian said she remembered everyone’s face, “and everyone remembers me.”
“And that’s why I do it.
“I don’t do it to win awards, I do it because I love it.”
Maria said she believed volunteer work kept her mother young at heart.
“She has often said to me if you took away her community work, she might as well die, That’s how important it is to her.
“It’s what keeps her going.”
