Passionate long-time volunteer Lorraine Blake-Hoey was “stunned” to be named Warrnambool’s Senior of the Year on Wednesday.
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“I’m humbled and embarrassed,” she said upon receiving the award. “I don’t feel there’s anything in my life that I’ve done to deserve this, but obviously other people do.”
The 82-year-old was named the city’s top senior at a presentation at Warrnambool's Achor Point Village and kicked off the senior week celebrations.
Other nominees who were in the running for the award included Gerry Billings, Norma Bull and Ian Bodycoat.
Mrs Blake-Hoey was recognised for her instrumental role in establishing the Warrnambool palliative care unit in 1986 when she was a unit manager at the Warrnambool Base Hospital.
For the past 15 years, Mrs Blake-Hoey has volunteered for Warrnambool Legacy, serving as assistant secretary for 11 years and the news bulletin editor for 10 years.
A legacy widow and legatee herself, the active senior provides assistance to 10 widows.
She is also heavily involved in Warrnambool and District Community Hospice hospice in the home, the Standing Tall youth program and the Warrnambool Seniors Painting Group.
Mrs Blake-Hoey said she had gained as much personally for her community work, as what those who she helped had.
“All these things have given me such pleasure,” she said.
“When the palliative care unit was established, to me it was the most wonderful thing that happened. To see that develop and become an important part of the medical services in this town is wonderful.”
Archie Graham Community Centre co-ordinator Mary McLeod said Mrs Blake-Hoey epitomised what it meant to be an upstanding citizen.
“Lorraine is always putting her hand up to help others however she can,” she said. One of her nominators described her as a ‘little beauty’ which I think is pretty accurate.
“She is very humble and displays great dedication in any role she takes on. Put simply, Warrnambool is a better place thanks to Lorraine.”