CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
THERE’S a long tradition of selfless helpers at Springvale Benevolent Society pitching in for people in desperate need.
Yvonne Herring last week was awarded the third annual Wes Egglestone community service award, adding her name to the roll-call of the benevolent society’s lauded volunteers.
Ms Herring has served the wholly-voluntary benevolent society since 1997, making countless home visits at short notice seven days a week.
At those homes, Ms Herring – who also served as a Greater Dandenong councillor for 13 years – would deliver referral advice and food vouchers and be there to listen.
Since moving to Pakenham, she has served as secretary of the benevolent society.
“There’s some very sad stories, but there’s good times. People are very grateful when you rock up to their door.
“You go home to your house and family and think about what people are going through.
“Some say why do you give them money when they’re on drugs or drinking. But they have children who aren’t being fed. You can’t deny children because of their parents.”
South-eastern metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis, a long-time volunteer at the benevolent society, established the award to honour the late Egglestone’s service.
Egglestone was a former Springvale Benevolent Society secretary for more than 40 years with “connections all over the place”, Mr Tarlamis said.
Former colleagues at the benevolent society, John Beus and Max Anstis, are the two previous winners of the award.
“The thing that makes Springvale Benevolent Society different from other charities is the home visits,” Mr Tarlamis said.
“They see people in their home environment – at their most vulnerable – and see what other services they need.
“It’s fair to say I can’t think of one person who’s volunteered with Springvale Benevolent Society who has left.”
The award recognises selfless community work characterised by “care, compassion, courage and leadership”.
It attracted “a number of deserving candidates” in Greater Dandenong, Mr Tarlamis said.
The award was judged by an independent panel across a number of charities.
