Urunga’s Audrey Smith is the recipient of the Medal of The Order Of Australia in the General Division (OAM) for services to aged persons through volunteer roles.
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Her service includes:
- Founder of the Urunga Revellers, a volunteer female performing group that has toured New South Wales nursing homes for many years.
- Dance teacher, concert and performance organiser, ongoing, for many years, also art teacher, ongoing.
- Visitor and Volunteer, Stella Maris Aged Care Facility, for many years; donates artwork as prizes at their Bridge Day competitions.
- President and secretary Urunga Golf and Sports Club for many years and member for longer.
- President, Ladies Auxiliary, New Brighton Golf Club, for many years.
Talking to the Courier-Sun Ms Smith's initial reaction was: “Horrified - I don't deserve it!”
“I used to do this in Sydney - put on stage shows, teach painting and dance, so when I when I came to the Bellingen Shire I just kept it going.”
Ms Smith has been in Urunga nearly 20 years and since this time she and her merry band of dancers have performed at nursing homes from Macksville to Woolgoolga and staged an annual grand show at the Urunga Golf Club each year.
“We have rehearsals every Saturday and we were doing 20 concerts a year, but this year we have only done three … half of my girls need time off … they need to get their bits and pieces fixed,” Ms Smith said.
“The troop is really well-received and when we do our one big concert - the Urunga Cex let me have the room for nothing - we raise money for a charity.
“One year it was the hospital, another to help pay for a disability boat for the yacht club … about $2000 goes to whatever the community needs.”
The ex-air force member, and mother of four children, said she’s always worked, but always had time to teach dance.
“The ladies do not have to pay for anything - all the costumes are made for them,” she said.
“I do the choreography … yell at them! And together we have a lovely time.
“Even if something happens and the women can't make practice, they come up and have a cup of coffee.
“My children have not followed in my footsteps. They are horrified that their mother jumps around on stage … I think they think I’m bit of a nut.”
At 79-years-of age, Ms Smith has finished her stints as president and secretary of the local golf club, but said her days as a Urunga Reveller will continue into the foreseeable future.
“I was going to give it away all together, but the temptation is too much!
“When I first came to the area no one went to shows, so I organised 20 ladies, blew a whistle, and off we’d go see three shows in Sydney.
“And they have to take their phones so if they get lost wandering through Sydney I know how to get them back!”
The self-confessed ultra-organised Ms Smith said she’s no idea who nominated her, or why, but certainly it’s a good opportunity to let everyone know the Revellers’ next show is scheduled for August in the Raleigh Hall.
Urunga Golf Club’s Marlene Bishop speaks about how Ms Smith has helped the seaboard community.
“Audrey Smith is a remarkable woman. Her personality and warm heart and is always thinking of others,” Ms Bishop said.
“Audrey moved to Urunga in 1999 and organised a dance group called The Urunga Revellers. Her aim was to entertain the elderly at various nursing homes with dance, comedy, glitter and colour and to brighten up their day and that is certainly what she did. Her entertaining group was very much appreciated.
“Audrey also teaches art in her spare time and also has a home library with hundreds of books that anyone can borrow and delivered and exchanged books for people who could not manage themselves.
“If anything was to be organised, Audrey was the one, and organise she did. From art shows, local concerts, which were held at the C.ex golf club, trips to Sydney to the Schools Spectacular and stage shows.
“Audrey is also a keen golfer playing twice a week at C.ex Urunga Golf Club and has held various positions on the ladies committee such as secretary, vice captain and president and carried out these positions to the best of her ability. “Audrey is the best organiser and never takes no for an answer.
“Everyone has such high regard and utmost respect and admiration for her, at all levels. We are all so very proud of her achievements and if anyone is deserving of this prestigious award it’s our Audrey Smith.
“Congratulations Audrey.”