The honour of life membership was presented to Nita by the state governor’s wife Mrs Linda Hurley,  who is also the patron of UHA, at the state conference held in Tweed Heads on October 27–28.

Nita has been a member of the Dorrigo Branch of UHA for 60 years, joining in 1957.

She has held executive positions for 43 of those 60 years. She was Treasurer for nine years, 1960–1969; President for 22 years 1969–1991; Vice President 1991–1994; Associate Secretary 2008–2009, and Secretary from 2009, a position she still holds.

Going through the old minutes to put a Citation together for Nita's  nomination certainly was an interesting journey, as things have changed so much to the present day.

Catering was done by the Auxiliary for most functions held in our small town, such as balls, 21st birthdays and weddings (with up to three weddings in one month).

Also in later years the Auxiliary catered for Lions and Rotary dinners, all led by President Nita at that time.

One of the most interesting items I came across was the making of milk coffee in an old kerosene drum over a wood fire which held 60 cups. The drum was well scrubbed, I guess.

These functions were mainly held in the old Memorial Hall, where the museum now stands.

The Dorrigo Gift was also run several times, with the Auxiliary having a stall and raffle, and tickets costing three for two shillings.

Nita also organised table setting competitions, with themes being Engagement Parties Weddings, Baby Showers, and so on.

Mending was done by the Auxiliary and Red Cross members, including sheets, pillow cases and gowns.

Lots of fruit, vegetables and eggs were donated to the hospital to reduce costs.

During this time Nita had three small children to attend to as well, who were taken along to the meetings as she had no family to babysit.

Nita has been Patron of our local Auxiliary for over 12 years and a very generous one at that, donating many of prizes for raffles and gifts for guests.  

Nita also gathers the grocery items to fill three huge Christmas Hampers, which are raffled at the local show, with money donated by our members.

She continues to cook for street stalls and is always willing to put her hand up where needed.

You will always see her making things look right on our Street Stall and chatting to travellers, who mostly put their hand in their pockets and put money in the Donation Tin if they don't buy something off the stall.

 All money from these fundraisers go towards buying much needed equipment for the local hospital.

Nita was accompanied by three members of the auxiliary and her daughter Lyn came down from Noosa to be present when she received this prestigious award.

Well done Nita on this great achievement, we are all so proud of you.