By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
IT could be a case of Carma by name, good karma by nature for community-minded 89-year-old Carma Keast.
Mrs Keast, of Dandenong, felt “blessed” to be yesterday listed as a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) recipient for her services to Dandenong’s community and Trinity Uniting Church for more than 40 years.
Known for her ready smile, she believes in and acts out of a deep-seated goodwill to her neighbours.
Giving seems “natural”, the former winner of Greater Dandenong’s Good Neighbour Award said.
“Smiles make such a difference to make a better world for everyone,” she said.
“I try to smile a lot. Since I’ve been walking around a lot recently, it’s surprising how many stop and smile or say hello.”
She’s nervous about the inevitable spotlight on her after this week’s announcement.
“From my humble beginnings, I never thought I’d get such an award.
“I’ve always thought I’d received help from the Lord above for trying to make the world a better place.”
That help includes her robust long-term health.
Up until four years ago, she had played bowls. She had struck tennis balls as well as long served as secretary at Trinity Uniting Tennis Club, up until her late seventies.
Meanwhile, Mrs Keast has “never been idle”.
Her voluntary service has included 40-plus year stints at arranging flowers in the church every Sunday, the regular upkeep of the church grounds and tennis courts, and serving at Dandenong hospital’s kiosk.
At the church, she has been a long-serving elder, member of its council and pastoral care program – as well as regularly getting behind fund-raisers for the church, Legacy and Cancer Council.
She still keeps active in the church, presiding over the evening fellowship group since the 1970s. She was one of the group’s founding members in 1952.
A stroke last year robbed her of her driving licence. Missing the once-regular trips to visit friends, she has vowed to re-apply for her licence soon.
She said her peerless community work ethic came from her parents – who taught her “to be honest and to help people”.
Just over 50 years ago, her mother, father and sister died in the space of 12 months. She and her late husband Roy took in her sister’s two children, adding to three of their own.
“It’s been a wonderful family,” she says.
She said Roy would be proud of her latest crowning recognition; her family and friends “over the moon”.
“Thank you Australia!”
