When Helen Stuckings learnt on Facebook that she had been nominated for Maitland Citizen of the Year, she embraced the news with the same zest she gives to all her activities.
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“It was lovely to be nominated and I regard this as a great honour,” Ms Stuckings said.
“This was one of the best accolades I could receive.
“But for me, there is still nothing better than putting smiles on the faces of people I have been singing to, in nursing homes and in clubs.”
After finishing her hairdressing apprenticeship 30 years ago, Ms Stuckings embarked on a career that has seen her own a flourishing hair salon in Maitland.
And, while she loves her work, Ms Stuckings said her ultimate pleasure was singing for senior citizens and for the sick.
She is still haunted by the shrieks of joy from an elderly woman at a nursing home who had not spoken for three years, yet began babbling and talking after hearing Ms Stuckings sing.
“The song was When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” she said.
“The song triggered such a response from that woman who had not spoken a word for three years.
“It brought home to me the pleasure I can give people who often have little contact with others.”
As a prominent Maitland businesswoman, Ms Stuckings said she had seen hairstyling change dramatically during the past 30 years.
“But what has not changed in business is the need to give customers good service,” she said.
“This still holds as good today as it always has.
“I believe this is the reason why anyone is still in business today after a long time.”
Ms Stuckings said the title of Maitland Citizen of the Year was an important way for people to be acknowledged for their activities.
“I believe we are all in this world to make it a better place,” she said.
