In appreciation of her incredible dedication to the Cockburn community, Success Village resident Maureen has been named the 2024 City of Cockburn Senior Community Citizen of the Year.
Volunteering at the Cockburn Seniors Centre, Maureen lends a helping hand and brings joy to visitors at the centre four days a week.
Whether greeting visitors in the reception area, brewing coffee in the cafe, creating displays to celebrate special occasions, or organising events, Maureen does it all with a smile.
She is also the centre’s health and safety representative and a member of the City of Cockburn’s age-friendly reference group.
“When volunteering, you just do whatever you need to do and go wherever you need to be to help out,” she said.
“I do it because I love it, so I was really stunned to win (this award); I didn’t expect it at all.”
Maureen retired in 2017 after more than two decades working in aged care and ten years as a fly-in, fly-out catering assistant up north.
She said her decision to start volunteering at the age of 70 has not only filled her days with purpose but also allowed her to reconnect with the community.
“There is a huge void when you stop working, and I always said I wanted to volunteer,” she said.
“I love working at the Seniors Centre.
“You are reunited with old friends but also make a lot of new friends too.”
Humbled to receive the accolade, Maureen said the greatest reward comes from the joy and companionship her volunteer work brings to others, especially in reducing loneliness.
“A lot of people who come in are terribly lonely, so it feels good when you can sit with them or help them with something,” she said.
“That’s why I like doing the displays for days like Christmas and ANZAC Day…they bring back memories for people. I just love seeing their faces when they walk in and see the displays.”
Maureen hopes to inspire others to lend a hand, share a smile, and contribute to their community in their own ways.
