As the saying goes, volunteers don’t necessarily have the time – they just have the heart.
And this is certainly the case with our Maisie Foster Volunteer Award winner for 2019 – the wonderful Denise Wasley.
Denise has a lot of heart – especially when it comes to her work for South Eastern Community Connect (SECC).
The UNSW Kingsford Legal Centre Office Manager has served on the Board for over 10 years, using her professional skills and insights to make SECC and the south-east community better and stronger.
“Denise is always willing to help SECC on any matter, including in obtaining legal advice whenever we need it,” CEO Kate Melhopt says.
“She is a loyal and active member and we really appreciate her.”
Denise has loved serving SECC over the years.
“I am so honoured to receive this recognition as I am so proud to be associated with an organisation with such heart and strength,” she says.
“Every volunteer and staff member works every day to make people’s lives and our community better, healthier and stronger.
“SECC makes a difference and I love being a part of the SECC family.”
SECC CEO Kate Melhopt with volunteer Denise Wasley at the launch of a tax clinic which was launched in partnership with UNSW.
Community comrades
Denise says she has loved working with all the SECC crew, but there are three people she’s had the privilege of working with for much of her 10+ years of volunteering.
“Julie Gray is the heart, the soul and often the muscle of SECC,” she says.
“She works so hard in the background, so it’s a pleasure to shine a light on this amazing woman.
“Then there’s Bev Martin, my Board colleague of many years. She’s a fearless warrior for SECC and our community. Her no-bullshit, tell-it-how-it-is attitude is refreshing and inspiring, and I love working with her because she always gets things done, rather than just talking about getting things done.
“And our CEO Kate Melhopt is quite simply one of the most intelligent, kind, hard-working, inspiring women I’ve ever had the privilege to work with.
“SECC is lucky to have her, and keeping her forever is my number one goal on the Board!
“Thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers and staff. This recognition really is one my proudest moments.”
What is the Maisie Foster Volunteer Award?
Maisie Irene Foster was an outstanding volunteer at South Eastern Community Connect over the years and was greatly respected and loved by her community.
Through a bequest from her estate, an award was created in her honour.
Every year, the Maisie Foster Volunteer Award is given in appreciation of her commitment to the centre and her tireless work serving others.
The award is also designed to recognise the contribution volunteers regularly make to South Eastern Community Connect and the surrounding community.
To be eligible for nomination for the Maisie Foster Volunteer Award, a person must be a volunteer with South Eastern Community Connect.