How long have you been involved as a volunteer with FRC?
I commenced as a Volunteer back in 1976 when Ulupna was being built in Coree Street.
In 1980 I became involved in fundraising to build Berrigan Nursing Home, which took ten years. The Official Opening was held in June 1990.
I became President of the Auxiliary on 13thMarch 1991 at the Inaugural Meeting, and was President for three years until 1994. After that, Norma McMurray became President for three years until 1997, then I became President again and have been President ongoing.
During this time the Auxiliary has raised around $20,000 a year which has been used to provide extra comforts for our residents. Therefore since 1991, the Auxiliary would have raised at least $350,000 for FRC ,which is an amazing contribution.
The community has always supported the many and varied fundraisers, making them very successful.
I became a Director on the Board of Management in 1990 and continued until resigning in 2017. During this time there has been many changes to Aged Care and big projects achieved with Ulupna Lodge and Berrigan Nursing Home, which eventually came under one umbrella as Finley Regional Care in August 2010. FinleyMedical Centre was established in 2008 and the Complete Care (Home Care) service extended.
What do you like most about being a volunteer?
Being able to provide assistance where required in a personal way. And being able to assist to fundraise extra funds to help provide more comforts for our residents and staff.
If you had to describe Finley Regional Care in four words, what would you say?
It’s fantastic, provides wonderful care and is convenient (here in Finley).
What has exceeded your expectations or surprised you the most being involved here?
The extended growth in aged care and ongoing.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Chat with family and friends and visit them.
Where did you grow up?
Finley.
Where else have you lived?
Nowhere.
What three traits define you?
Caring, social and a cook.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
To be more computer literate.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
Not really sure but would give some funds to FRC.
Best vacation you had?
Travelling around Australia.
If you could meet one person (dead or alive) who would it be?
Roger Federer.
If you could witness any event, what would you want to see?
Wimbledon.
If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Soup – but a variety or any yummy sweets.
If you were an animal what would you be?
A cat.
If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
Coffee, telephone and a TV.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Finley. Following schooling I went to the Convent and the nuns taught me how to type and do shorthand. Then I worked in Real Estate/Farm Equipment office. I married a farmer and had four children.
Top two life highlights?
Getting married and having my four children.
Competitive Cake Cooking for the Melbourne Show for 10 – 15 years, plus many other regional shows including Mildura. I won first prize for rich fruit cake out of 69 entries at the Melbourne Show. I entered up to 10 entries per show and won prizes with most entries.
What did you want to be when growing up?
I wanted to get married and have a family.
What has been the most important innovation you have witnessed in your lifetime?
General progression of life today e.g. cars etc. and especially communication.
What is an ability you wish you had?
I wish I was better at public speaking.
What is the best concert you attended?
I attended a number of wonderful musicals in Melbourne.
What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life?
Coping when my husband had a heart attack at 47 years of age.
What is the most important thing you have learned in your life?
Tolerance.
What is the one thing you cannot resist?
Chocolate.
What is the one thing you can’t live without?
Two things – friends and the telephone.
What is your favourite childhood memory?
Being outside and doing activities such as yabbying and rabbiting.
What is your favourite number and why?
5 – the day I was born.
What is your favourite sport?
Tennis and Football.
What is your greatest fear?
Snakes.
What phobias do you have?
Snakes and spiders.
What TV show/movie are you ashamed to admit you love?
Home & Away plus all the Quiz Shows.
What would you have wanted to be famous for?
Cooking a good meal.
You’re happiest when?
Helping others.
