Sydney East Regional Winners
Sydney East Region Volunteer of the Year
Loys Thompson of Rose Bay
Loys Thomson AM has been a volunteer with Can Assist for more than 40 years and has contributed an overwhelming number of hours, enthusiasm, initiative and insight. Loys joined the Board in 1978 and became President in 1990. She extended the work of the organisation into country centres, building the organisation to better respond to country client needs and encouraging and developing a community development framework. Specific projects that owe their existence to Loys are the extension to the John Colvin Hospital, Ecclesbourne, a 26-bed hostel in Double Bay and Lillier Lodge, a 40-bed hostel for carers and their families in Wagga Wagga.
Loys nominator, Robyn Cahoun, says: "During the 52 years Can Assist has operated, approximately 70,000 people have been assisted. Many of these have experienced that support due to initiatives undertaken by Loys Thompson and her untiring devotion to fundraising and development. "
Sydney East Region Senior Volunteer of the Year
Meg Harris of Malabar
Meg Harris, has been a volunteer line dance teacher for nine years, holding two classes each Thursday at the Little Bay Coast Centre for Seniors. At 73 she is a strong believer in "Healthy Ageing". With 65 participants, aged between 55 and 86, Meg has plenty of talent to choose from when she selects for a Performance group to entertain at local nursing homes two or three times each week.
Her nominator, Jennifer Stevenson says: "Meg is convinced that one is never too old to take up a new challenge, that learning should be a lifelong process, as it results in an interesting and purposeful life."