By Stephen Linnell
THE official definition of a volunteer goes something like this: a person who offers or performs a service voluntarily.
Most definitions don’t include references to personal sacrifice, dedication and devotion. And they certainly don’t mention the time most volunteers spend away from their family in order to assist others.
But most volunteers would not have it any other way. And long time Wyndham resident Judith Sutcliffe is no different. She is Wyndham’s Volunteer of the Year, crowned at an awards ceremony at the Wyndham Cultural Centre on Friday night.
Judith has been a tireless worker throughout Wyndham over the past 12 years. She retired from nursing in 1981 after a patient rolled on her neck. But that has failed to stop her performing countless hours of volunteer work.
Judith has a particular interest in social justice issues and is involved with a range of organisations. These include the Wyndham Family Violence Committee, ISIS Primary Care, Wyndham Substance Abuse Committee, Magistrates Court Network, Salvation Army, Wyndham Legal Services Committee, Leadership Program through Wyndham City Council, Wyndham Transport Advisory Committee and Wyndham City council Graffiti Clean up Days.
Asked what her primary motivation is, Judith responds: “I can always see a need in the community to help someone. I find that people are always very willing to give up their time, they’re always ready to roll up their sleeves and help,” she says.
You would think that would be enough to keep anyone busy but Judith loves nothing more than finding time for her extended family, which now includes six children, 13 grandchildren and last week she became a great grandmother for the seventh time, following the birth of Tayla at Werribee Mercy Hospital.
With diplomas in welfare studies and community development, Judith still finds time to study. She is just one subject off completing her Bachelor of Arts Degree.
The 65-year-old has a balanced view of life. “Once you get knocked down, you get back up again,” she says.
