Star volunteer shuns spotlight

By Kelly Yates
A COMPASSIONATE volunteer who has won the Greater Dandenong Australia Day Citizen of the Year award says she would rather stay out of the spotlight.
Hearing of her achievement at Monday night’s council meeting, Norma Murphy, 83, said she didn’t feel taht she deserved it.
Throughout her life, Mrs Murphy has assisted a variety of organisations and community groups.
These include St Gerard’s Primary School and church, YWCA, St Vincent de Paul, Diabetes Australia and the RSPCA.
“My family is very pleased and say I deserve it, but I don’t think I do,” she said.
However winning did not come as a surprise to Mrs Murphy.
“I had a premonition, it looked terribly suspicious as everyone kept wishing me good luck on the night,” she said.
Mrs Murphy said volunteering was something she did to get out of the house.
“It’s a ‘me’ thing, everyone has to have something they do,” she said.
Mayor John Kelly said Mrs Murphy had an exceptional record of community service.
“She is a shining example for others to follow,” he said.
Cr Kelly said that winning the award was a “fitting acknowledgement of her valued contribution”.
“I would like to congratulate Norma on this achievement and hope it gives her further encouragement to continue her good work,” he said.
Mrs Murphy is positive her nomination came from Dandenong Neighbourhood House where she has volunteered since 1991.
“I volunteer every Thursday and I look forward to it. I even get dressed up a bit better,” she said.
Mrs Murphy is also involved with a Glen Waverley church that knits cardigans, scarves and teddy bears and sends them to orphanages in Belarus, Russia.
She says once all the excitement and the shock of winning wears off, she will be proud of her award.
Miriam Stone was named Non-Resident of the Year, ack nowledging her contribution to the Dandenong community for over 25 years.
Some of the Australia Day celebrations in Greater Dandenong this weekend include breakfast at Bunnings Sandown and Springers Leisure Centre followed by the feature event, Australia Day in Dandenong Park.