BERYL Lowe’s volunteer work has spanned more than half a century and this week she has been honoured for her generous contributions.
Ms Lowe said she was “lost for words” to have been named Swan Hill’s 2022 citizen of the year, and said she “just did what needed doing”.
The UK-born woman moved to Australia in 1963 but her volunteering began back in her home country when she started volunteering with the Red Cross at age eight.
Over her exceptional service to the community she has established a local first aid team, as well as fundraising for the Royal Children’s Hospital appeal and for Lake Boga football trips.
Ms Lowe has also been a part of the Ladies Auxiliary Brigade in Lake Boga and was influential in starting the Beatles women’s softball team in the region, as well as promoting the sport more broadly.
She was also heavily involved in organising the Lake Boga Carols by Candlelight throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
For the last 34 years she has headed up the team at the Comfort Centre which gives mothers a space to breastfeed, truckies an extra place to stop or those less fortunate with a place to relax.
“It’s an asset to Swan Hill,” Ms Lowe told the small crowd at the livestreamed event.
Since 1997, Ms Lowe has also promoted road safety in the Murray region and for the last 14 years she has been on call 24/7 as a public advocate for young offenders or those with a disability to ensure they get a fair go.
As if that were not enough, she was chosen to run the Olympic torch through Lake Boga in 2000 to celebrate her contributions to the region and many young faces will also recognise her as the Swan Hill Primary School crossing guard.
Last year, this stellar example of Swan Hill spirit received particular recognition for more than 50 years of service to the Red Cross at Government House – and it won’t be long before she hits the 60-year mark as she has currently clocked up 57 years with the charity.
“I can’t believe I’ve done all that,” she said after receiving the honour.
“I will continue to the best of my ability.”
Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor, Jade Benham said Beryl had made a significant contribution to the municipality over many years in many sectors.
“Every year we are amazed by the efforts of people within our community,” Cr Benham said.
“Beryl is a truly committed citizen, this is displayed through her selfless approach and various roles held in the community.
“She has always been involved with and supported community participation – whether it is helping to fundraise, supporting those in need or providing transport for her own children and others to community sport, Beryl is always there and willing to get involved.”
Cr Benham congratulated Ms Lowe stating she was a very worthy recipient.
Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi woman Aunty Deb Chaplin also offered a particularly poignant and impressive Welcome to Country and offered her perspective on the continued impact of colonisation and invasion.
Swan Hill’s Australia Day ambassador Diane James AM also spoke at the event and shared her experiences as a leader in the water industry in Victoria, currently serving as chair of Goulburn-Murray Water and, until recently, also of Southern Rural Water. Ms James spoke of her experience working with two start-ups including in the disability sector, and particularly noted the work of those who were working around the town on the public holiday.
These included those in hospitality, health, emergency services and firefighters – who ensure the safety of their fellow Australians. Ms James echoed the importance of future conversations around the date of Australia Day, as earlier referenced by Aunty Deb Chaplin. There were no nominations were received for Event of Year or Young Citizen of the Year.
