Volunteering for more than 30 years with various organisations, she is a cherished member of the community.
Elaine was awarded Cobram Citizen of the Year at the annual Moira Shire Australia Day Awards on January 26.
“It was a big surprise,” she said.
“I didn't expect to win and I thought, ‘well, a lot of others do so much’.”
Elaine has been volunteering with the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Cobram for two and a half years now and loves it.
“We pick people up at home and take them to medical appointments in Albury, Wangaratta, Benalla, Shepparton and Echuca...” she said.
“You never know when you might need that for yourself one day, so it's great to be able to help people.
“It's also good because I do chat a lot... it passes the time and takes their mind off what they're going for, especially when they're going through chemo or radiation.”
Elaine also volunteered at the Cobram Visitor Information Centre for 15 years before it closed and has volunteered with Meals on Wheels for the past 25 years.
Meals on Wheels is mainly run by volunteers across Australia, providing home-delivered meals to vulnerable individuals who struggle with cooking or shopping.
For the past three years Elaine has been a part of the U3A club, a social group for people over 50 and was recently elected president.
“I really enjoy that because it’s a social thing and not a fundraising thing, and I enjoy the company of the people there,” she said.
“It's just nice to be involved and make friendships because after your kids leave, and they're not in school, you lose that contact with the public.”
Elaine’s most recent volunteering has been with BlazeAid, serving dinner two to three nights a week to the volunteers who are working hard on local farms and properties.
Before she retired, Elaine was a jack of all trades, working across many different industries over the years.
“After I had my children, I worked at the golf club in Barooga for 16 years,” she said.
“I then worked as a hostess on coach tours around Australia, New Zealand and Norfolk for 18 years.”
Elaine has also worked in a bakery, at Woolworths and at a home for people with disabilities.
“I've always enjoyed my work and whatever I've done,” she said.
Elaine said volunteering helped her to stay active.
“I'd be totally bored if I was just sitting at home,” she said.
“I love being out there with people and helping people if I can.”
When she's not busy volunteering, Elaine enjoys spending time with her husband of 50 years, Ken, their four children and six grandchildren.
22°C