BELLINGEN Shire resident and local stalwart, Nellie Lee, has been awarded the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community through church, social welfare and veterans organisations.
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Ms Lee said she was “quite shocked and humbled” by the announcement.
“I certainly do not feel worthy of such an honour. I am really not a social person, more of a home person, but I found working and being a part of a community organisation was a good way to mix with people and help those in need”.
Ms Lee’s extensive community service dates back 60 years, when she first joined the Bellingen River District Sub-Branch, Returned and Services League of Australia (NSW RSL) in 1956.
Nellie has been a volunteer at St Vincent de Paul Society, Meals-on-Wheels and Bellorana since 1974, where she still calls bingo each week.
Ms Lee’s active community roles cover both ends of the age spectrum, from a 10-year stint as president of the Seniors Week Committee, to being a patron of the Bellingen Girl Guides for many years; P&C member, canteen volunteer and exam supervisor at the Bellingen High School; and both secretary and P&C committee member at the St. Mary’s Primary School.
Nellie is still an active Eucharist Minister for St Mary’s.
This dedication to church services has also been recognised by the Catholic Women’s League, where she is now a life member after assuming the various roles of president, vice-president and catering officer.
Ms Lee is still working as both the local organiser for the Australian Church Women and volunteers at the Red Cross.
True to form, on Sunday, Ms Lee shied away from the glitz and glamour of national recognition and served morning tea to all those at the Bellingen Australia Day Award ceremony.
Nellie tells me she has been fortunate in life, thanked those around her and had some sage words for us all.
“It has been a privilege to work with all the organisations. Everyone, from children to the elderly, have given me so much joy. Being a volunteer really does give you much more than what you put in”.