Irene Hemsworth was barely a teenager when she noted her altruistic side and honoured it.
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Now – more than 60 years later – the work of the much-loved Maitland stalwart has been recognised with the city’s highest award for service.
Mrs Hemworth became Maitland’s seventh Honorary Freeman of the City yesterday during a presentation at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery surrounded by her family, friends and community members.
“I feel very humbled. This is a very high honour and you just don’t expect something like this,” |
Mrs Hemsworth, who turns 75 on Tuesday, said.
“But the Maitland community has always been a community that gets in and helps.
“When we see a need we get in there and do something about it and I’m extremely proud to be a part of that.”
The honour is awarded to those who have provided the highest order for service in Maitland, Australia or humanity.
The mayor of Maitland, Cr Peter Blackmore, nominated the breast cancer survivor for her decades of service and dedication to the community.
His fellow councillors unanimously supported the nomination.
“In my opinion, Irene Hemsworth is a citizen who displays and qualifies the necessary attributes for the granting of the highest award from Maitland City Council,” Cr Blackmore said.
“Mrs Hemsworth is a well-known citizen of our city who has dedicated a lifetime to volunteering and community service in Maitland.”
“Our community is home to a number of very special individuals who do many great things for our city each year. Irene is one of these people who is thoroughly deserving of this award, she should be incredibly proud.”
Irene's life of volunteering
Irene Hemsworth was 13 when she started volunteering at her Sunday school.
During the years she has maintained her involvement with her church, teaching scripture to many local school children, which she continues to do at Maitland Public School, Bolwarra Public School and Nillo Infants School.
A Maitland Citizen of the Year Award recipient in 1989, Mrs Hemsworth has also volunteered her time to work with numerous community organisations, working tirelessly for organisations including Meals on Wheels, where she has delivered food for 29 years.
Mrs Hemsworth has also organised annual breast cancer fundraisers, doorknocked for heart research and taught dance for debutante balls.
Mrs Hemsworth has been treasurer on the Maitland Park Recreation Board for the past 20 years and is also secretary of the Maitland Sports Council.
