By Denise Deason
TIRELESS community volunteer Betty Parker, of Werribee, is a worthy winner of an Above and Beyond Award.
The annual awards, run from the office of the Member for Lalor, Julia Gillard, recognise local residents with a special certificate for their dedicated work in the community.
Betty, 65, said, while pleased, she “felt a bit embarrassed” by the award.
“I don’t do the things I do just to get recognition for it,” she said.
“I was brought up to do your bit for others.
“I particularly enjoy being with elderly people.
“They’re often sitting in units on their own and they appreciate a chat and a cuppa.”
Betty has a weekly schedule that would put someone half her age to shame.
She has been delivering Meals-On-Wheels for the past 27 years and does volunteer work for the Weerama Festival, the Weerama Deb Ball, Dancesports and the Wyndham Fashion Awards.
She has been a Werribee Craft Festival committee member for the past 14 years and chairperson since 2001.
As well, Betty helps out at the Crossorads Uniting Church and the church’s op shop, and has been an Emergency Relief volunteer for the past 11 years.
She is also a member of the Werribee RSL and sells raffle tickets to raise money.
Other Above and Beyond Award-winners include:
NATHAN Eichler, of Hoppers Crossing, a volunteer for the B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Fund.
MATTHEW Sims, of Werribee, a parent volunteer at the Werribee Primary School.
CARMEL Delhunty, of Wyndham Vale, a volunteer at St Andrew’s Primary School for the past 21 years.
THE St John Ambulance Wyndham Division, accepted by Anthony and Wendy Mesman, and Daphne Womersley.
