Senior ‘humbled’ to be an award finalist

Dardanup resident Gwen Wells proudly represented the South West at the WA Seniors Awards last month, where she made the top three in the Juniper Lifetime Achievement Award.

Nominated by the Dardanup Shire Council, Mrs Wells said she was humbled by the recognition.

“I was sort of embarrassed, but I am very humbled and honoured to be recognised like this,” she said.

“I don’t think that I do very much, I mean I do organise a few things, but I have a lot of support from my seniors – I don’t do it all by myself.”

The avid historian has dedicated 48 years of service to the Red Cross and through her role as secretary at the Dardanup Senior Citizens Club organises outings for seniors who are housebound.

“Mostly I organise to put smiles on seniors’ faces by taking the ones who are very housebound, or live in a home or hostel who can’t possibly get out on their own,” she said.

“We take them some places that they never would or could ever negotiate on their own.

“We have done some beautiful trips, this year we went to Araluen and last year we went to AQWA – they just love it.”

Mrs Wells said she was passionate about her involvement in the Red Cross and still marches on Anzac Day each year.

She travelled to Perth to attend the awards ceremony and said it was rewarding to listen to what other people were doing in their communities.