Rutherford's Melita Chilcott always wanted to be a hairdresser, she just picked up the scissors a little later in life - at the age of 60.
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Now she uses her skills to help men, women and children who are homeless, disadvantaged or victims of domestic violence.
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison MP has awarded Mrs Chilcott the title of 2021 Maitland Local Woman of the Year for her service to the community.
Following the death of her husband Brian, Mrs Chilcott decided to go to TAFE to learn the hairdressing skills she had always had a passion for.
"From a toddler I always wanted to be a hairdresser," she said.
"I started after finishing school but everyone had their hair permed in those days and the chemicals were so harsh I got dermatitis and couldn't continue."
She fulfilled her lifelong ambition with an 18-month intensive TAFE course which included salon experience.
A day at the Hunter Homeless Connect Day saw Mrs Chilcott on the path of volunteering her services.
"I thought this is what I am going to do," she said.
"I realised my dream at 60 then as soon as I qualified I contacted a few groups including the Community Hair Project, Soul Cafe and the Doorlaong Transformation Centre (the Salvation Army's drug, alcohol and gambling rehabilitation centre.)"
She said the transformation a hair cut can make to someone's self esteem is amazing.
"I absolutely love it," she said of her volunteer work.
"Everything that they get, I get as much back."
Mrs Chilcott, a grandmother of six, said she was surprised to receive the honour at a special dinner presentation ceremony earlier this month.
As a nominee she was accompanied by her daughter Nadine Peters at the dinner which was jointly hosted by Ms Aitchison and Women's Network Hunter NSW at the Royal River Inn, Morpeth in celebration of International Women's Day.
During the awards dinner, Ms Aitchison also paid tribute to the women who had won the title in previous years: Samantha Meyn, Michelle Davies, Yvette Cavanagh, Pennie Kearney, Naomi Rees, Amorelle Dempster, Tara Dever and Karen Stackman.
"Every day, women of all ages, professions and backgrounds across Maitland make immense and valuable contributions to their community," Ms Aitchison said.
"These annual awards are an opportunity to publicly acknowledge and celebrate these inspirational women."
"Often a haircut can have an enormous impact on a person's perception of themselves, their self-confidence and mental health," Ms Aitchison said.
"Melita has chosen to use her hairdressing skills to give this gift of dignity. She works in a volunteer capacity, rather than seek paid employment in a salon."
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Ms Chilcott is no stranger to community service. Over the years she has volunteered for numerous organisations including Meals on Wheels, Share the Dignity, Soul Kitchen, Rutherford Community Centre and Rutherford/Telarah Anglican Church.
Growing up in Tasmania she moved to Mudgee in 1981 with her husband.
"I started delivering meals on wheels there as I didn't know anyone and I would take my toddler daughter with me," she said.
After moving to Maitland she joined the SES and proudly got her chainsaw license along with communication room qualifications.
She also volunteered for Telecross, visiting the elderly and took on meals on wheels again.
She received a medal for community service for her SES work in the floods of June 2007.
Since she was elected, Ms Aitchison has joined with the Women's Network Hunter NSW to celebrate Maitland's Local Woman of the Year as part of International Women's Day.
Ms Aitchison said it was important to recognise local women who do so much for our community.
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