Long-time Altona resident Nancy Winder has volunteered for “every darned thing in Altona”.
The 81-year-old, who could be described as Altona’s ultimate volunteer, was named Hobsons Bay’s citizen of the year on Australia Day.
Altona Meadows’ William McKenzie, a 16-year-old Bayside P-12 College student, was named Hobsons Bay young citizen of the year.
Mayor Peter Hemphill said what set the two winners apart was their direct and ongoing engagement with the local community and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
“Nancy has lived in Altona for more than 60 years and volunteered with a number of organisations, including local schools, the Salvation Army and Altona Lions,” he said.
“She’s always volunteering and has always made herself available to those in our community who need a kind ear to listen to their problems. She’s always made herself available no matter who they are.”
Ms Winder, who also volunteers with Probus and Caritas and has helped out on a soup van for the homeless, said being named citizen of the year was the “shock of her life”.
“I haven’t done all this by myself,” she said.
“I’ve had help from friends, and the ladies’ Lions have been wonderful. And if I have any problems I just ask one of the men to help me.
“I think I’ve volunteered for every darned thing in Altona. It’s been a busy life.”
Through the Lions, she provides mobility aids for the elderly and has collected hundreds of spectacles and other items to be sent to Third World countries.
“No matter what you do for Lions, it’s for a good cause, it really is,” she said.
Asked what motivates her, Ms Winder says: “I just like people. Everywhere I go there’s an old person and it seems they all come to me.”
Her message to others is: “Look after one another, especially in this weather. If you have elderly neighbours, make sure they’re alright.
“If you don’t see them for a couple of days, make sure someone’s seen them or go and ask them if they’re alright.”
Ms Winder said the worst thing anyone could say to her was, ‘You’re only a volunteer’.
“Oh, that really gets my back up because without volunteers the world would stop.”
