Wyndham's Latest Chirnside
From volunteering at the school canteen to getting the hottest designs on the catwalk, Betty Parker has helped out with everything.
The latest Chirnside Award winner has volunteered with a range of events and services including:
- Werribee Craft Festival
- Weerama Festival
- Crossroads Uniting Church
- Werribee RSL and Bowling Club
- Fashion Awards Australia
- Victorian Dancesport Championships
- Aged Care facilities
- Wyndham Council’s Delivered Meals service.
In winning the Chirnside Award Mrs Parker, who was born and raised in Werribee, is carrying on a proud family tradition.
“My parents were both volunteers, helping out at the local Church and on hospital committees and mum was a member of the Red Cross,” Mrs Parker said.
“I’m lucky to have had a good husband who’s always been behind me and we raised four children. You start off doing what you can for the school and the canteen, and then we got onto Meals on Wheels because my husband was in Apex. I’ve always gone to church and we help out there doing little bits and pieces. They’re all enjoyable things.”
“Now I’ve been doing Meals on Wheels for 29 years there’s a lot of other people who do it and don’t get the recognition. There are so many people out there who struggle, but still manage to do something, even for a few hours a month. Volunteering is a reward in itself, the sense of satisfaction, enjoying what you’re doing and helping other people.”
Wyndham Mayor Cr Shane Bourke congratulated the grandmother of four on winning the Chirnside Award.
“Betty is a great example of what an important role volunteers play in shaping our community,” Cr Bourke said.
“A lady of vision and determination, if Betty sees a cause that she is able to contribute to in a positive way, she is there without hesitation to assist and provide support as needed. Her dedication and commitment has seen her help out in a wide range of projects and causes in Wyndham including cultural, business, sporting and charitable projects.”
“I congratulate Betty on her tireless efforts in volunteering in Wyndham over the past three decades and hope that her fine example encourages other residents to do something in their community.”
To find out more about the Chirnside Award, or to obtain a nomination form, please log on to Council’s website www.wyndham.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Corporate Events Coordinator, Miriam Dawe on 9741 0824.