By Casey Neill
Maria Mastroianni says 25 years of volunteering has helped her to stay mentally and physically active.
The 79-year-old has been giving her time to the community since she and husband Ernie retired on the same day in August 1992.
On Friday 26 January she was recognised as the volunteer of the year at the Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards presentation in Dandenong Park.
“I couldn’t believe it. I thought ‘oh my gosh, it’s not me’,” she said.
“I’m really honoured that they’ve chosen me.”
Ms Mastroianni worked as a pharmacy assistant in Dandenong for almost 40 years before her retirement and has called the suburb home “my whole life”.
“I can remember when they used to sell cows in the Dandenong Market,” she said.
Over the years she’s volunteered her time for St Vincent de Paul, Monash Health, U3A, meals on wheels, nursing homes, Heritage Hill Museum and Historical Gardens, Neighbourhood Watch, St Mary’s Church, the Doveton Show and more.
“I like volunteering because it makes me feel good,” she said.
“It gives you good self-esteem.
“It’s not only what you give but what you share with the people.
“My co-ordinators, my team leaders, are always appreciative and they always thank you so much.
“When you feel valued it inspires you to continue doing this work.”
Ernie’s health no longer allows him to volunteer.
“It was better doing it together, but I don’t want to give it up because I still love doing it,” Ms Mastroiannia said.
She still regularly hosts tours at Heritage Hill in Dandenong, serves as a council ambassador at events, and helps at the Drum Theatre’s Thursday morning shows.
Ms Mastroianni walks with the Dandenong Plaza Pacers group every Thursday morning, and for several years ran a walk and chat at Dandenong Park and a circuit at Dandenong Oasis.
She usually volunteers at the Australia Day Festival.
“I volunteer for the sunset cinema, the Christmas carols and for the New Year’s Eve celebration,” she said.
“I just enjoy doing voluntary work.”
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