Lyn Cregan was named Senior of the Year in the mayoral awards presented during the special Seniors Week luncheon at the Glen Innes and District Services Club on Tuesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Glen Innes Severn mayor Colin Price praised Mrs Cregan for the many hours she slaves away in a volunteer capacity for worthy causes, often well behind the scenes. She was nominated for the award for being an active member of the community all her life, always willing to help and a member of many community organisations, including the Glen Innes Pony Club, Glen Innes Show Society’s Ladies Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, the Netball Association, Junior Athletics, Glen Innes Polocrosse, St Vincent de Paul, and St Joseph’s School where she still volunteers weekly for reading group.
Mrs Cregan is a former recipient of the Glen Innes Severn Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award, and just last year was included in the Parade of Champions by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW.
Mrs Cregan’s support of individuals as well as groups was noted, helping out disabled members of the community and their carers.
Of course one of her biggest passions is the Northern District Exhibit at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, where she has volunteered to help organise the exhibit for more than 40 years and been instrumental in winning the Champion of the Show Award.
It’s a year-round commitment, culminating in three weeks in Sydney each Easter at the showground setting up the display for judging, after which she volunteers even more of her time at the exhibit daily educating city people on rural life in the Northern District, before the process starts all over again for the next year’s display.
There are probably many other areas in which Mrs Cregan contributes but she is well-known for not courting recognition for her efforts. Tuesday’s mayoral award was a rare opportunity for the community to recognise and thank her.
She was joined by a very worthy group of co-nominees, who collectively account for thousands of hours of community volunteer work each year.
Valmae Burey was nominated for her work with the Glen Innes Show Society, starting with Junior Farmers in the 1940s and since the 1960s with the Ladies Auxiliary. Mrs Burey was also involved in the Northern District exhibits at the Sydney Show, and earned an RAS life membership for her efforts.
Margie Pennington’s work with the RSPCA earned her a nomination, acknowledging her recue and care of untold numbers of animals in the local district. Along with her volunteers Margie assists with a number of services associated with the RSPCA, including micro-chipping and education services. She is also the coordinator of the Pets Of Older Persons program (POOPs).
Judith Fraser, another nominee, also volunteers in various capacities with the RSPCA, working tirelessly for the welfare of animals in our community. Her capacity to find suitable homes for many abandoned animals and those whose owners are no longer able to care for them is astonishing. Mrs Fraser is also involved with POOPs.
Josey Black was nominated for being a very community-minded person who will help anyone in need and has done so for many, many years. She has been instrumental in having mental health support services available in Glen Innes, particularly for carers, and has also provided great support to the local Presbyterian Church.
Shirley Donald was nominated for volunteering at Roseneath and Glenwood aged care facilities for more than 20 years to entertain the residents and staff. She was described as always gracious, helpful and supportive, giving residents an opportunity to join in sing-alongs and play instruments. The therapeutic effect of music adds another enjoyable aspect to the lives of the residents.
Tony Coombes was noted as being a caring and committed member of a variety of community projects and supportive of others despite his own challenges. Just a few of the groups he is involved in include the Beardies Festival, various forms of dancing, the Anglican Church, the Mens Shed and the Glen Innes Golf Club as well as Glen Innes Toastmasters.
Rhonda Fazldeen was acknowledged for volunteering three days each week at Garden Court, as well as making herself available at other times whenever possible. Staff are very appreciative of her help, and she has developed an excellent relationship with clients who have come to enjoy her company.
A special posthumous nomination was made for Wendy Watts whose contributions to many local organisations was legendary. These included the Glen Innes Arts Council, Red Cross, the Australian Standing Stones Management Board, the Australian Celtic Festival and the Glen Innes Art Gallery, as well as being on the advisory board of the Powerhouse Museum’s On-line Australian Dress Register. The many organisations she supported will reap the benefit of her input for many years to come.
The mayoral awards were presented in front of an appreciative crowd at the Services Club, who travelled in from as far as Emmaville to join in the celebration of Seniors Week.