Volunteering Aged 90
Shirley Rodgers believes that you get more than you give when it comes to volunteering.
She would know, she’s been volunteering with Meals on Wheels – a beneficial program that allows people to live independently and in their own homes, while accessing nutritious meals – for an incredible 48 years.
The 90-year-old, who continues to pack meals at The Hills Shire Council’s Meals on Wheels Kitchen, started out at the program after hearing a radio advertisement calling for more people to come on board.
She said it started as a way to fill the time after her children finished school, but now it has turned into something more rewarding. “It’s the reason I get up in the morning,” the Hills Shire resident said.
“It’s a rewarding feeling knowing you’re giving back to the community and lending a helping hand,” Shirley added.
Brian and Barbara Stewart also share Shirley’s sentiments. The couple has been volunteer with Meals on Wheels for more than 30 years.
“It’s a great way to give back to the local community,” they both said.
Barbara started her Meals on Wheels volunteering journey after an old primary school friend introduced her to the program.
After her husband Brian retired, he too joined in on Barbara’s volunteering efforts, and the couple has been volunteering ever since.
Brian, Barbara, and Shirley are not the only people in the Shire who enjoy being a volunteer. According to the latest Census data, Hills residents volunteer more than the state average (13.7 per cent of Hills residents are volunteers compared with 13 per cent of NSW residents).
“I am proud that The Hills continues to have a strong rate of volunteers,” Hills Mayor Peter Gangemi said. “Our community is a very generous one, and this was on display during the recent floods with residents coming together to help each other. Residents were out assisting with rescues, offering delivery services, and donating food and funds.”
Council has a range of volunteers in various programs, including Bushcare, the Environment Centre, Bidjiwong Community Nursery, and Justice of the Peace, as well as 355 Committee Members, Visitor Centre staff, events volunteers and many more.
Council also runs a number of workshops for all volunteers to refresh and up-skill.
To find out more about Council’s volunteering program by visiting The Hills Shire Council website (www.thehills.nsw.gov.au) and searching “volunteering”. They are also more opportunities through Volunteering NSW, www.volunteering.nsw.gov.au.
