Jennifer Pittorino
Long time Hobsons Bay local Elisabeth (Lis) Frances Grove’s ties to her local community are well known and have now seen her recognised in the Australia Day honours.
Grove was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her contributions to Hobsons Bay, where she moved to in 1982.
Lis’s work in literature and language began with her academic background tutoring at several universities in the 1970s.
Lis became a member of the Williamstown Literary Festival in 2003and is current vice-president. She said it’s her most prized feat.
Completely humbled by the Australia Day honour, Lis has dedicated this honour to her late husband Robin Grove, who was the co-founder of the Williamstown Literary Festival.
“He was an academic at Melbourne University from the early 1960s, as well as a local conservationist, and after his death in 2012 I essentially moved into his position with the festival,” she said.
“He never received any recognition for the festival so I think he should be mentioned as he is still remembered with great affection in the community.”
As Lis recalled her late husband’s accomplishments, she began to list hers.
Lis finds much pride and satisfaction in coordinating and judging the awards for the literary festival.
“My husband initiated the awards which have been running since 2004, and I have been judging those for years now,” she said.
“I have a great interest in the excellence of people’s writing and encouraging individual and original writing.
“For me, the literary festival is not just about selling books by recent writers, it’s also about encouraging creativity and curiosity.”
Following the death of Robin, Lis also became involved with Elder Rights Advocacy, something which she said is extremely close to her heart.
Since 2013, Lis has been a board member and recently moved into the role of secretary in 2018.
“It’s an organisation that advocates for older people, and anybody in the community needing to have information support regarding human rights in aged care,” she said.
Lis is also a member of the Hobsons Bay refugee network.
After the going back through her long history, Lis remains firm in her stance this award is not solely hers to enjoy.
“I have had lots of help, and I think this kind of award is a recognition for volunteers in the community, not just for an individual.”
