Shirley Heinzel has been named Eugowra's Citizen of the Year for her decades of service to the community through numerous local organisations.
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The honour was announced by Cabonne Cr Jamie Jones at Eugowra's Australia Day celebrations.
Shirley was born and raised in Eugowra only leaving to do her nursing training at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Her award citation tells the story of a lifetime of commitment to her community.
Shirley has been an active member of the Eugowra Hospital Auxiliary for the past 50 years, serving as its president, treasurer, secretary publicity officer.
Continuing as an active member and Patron, she provides cooking and plants as well as her time for fundraiser street stalls.
She is a frequent visitor to residents of the Memorial Multi Purpose Health Service.
As a member of the Hospital Board, Shirley served on various committees at a time when members looked after finances, maintenance and recruitment.
Shirley has been an active and well-loved member of the Eugowra CWA for 56 years, joining the CWA Evening Auxiliary in 1963 then the Eugowra branch when they amalgamated.
She has been a Books for Babies Officer since 2009. This program allows the Eugowra Branch of CWA to give a book to each newborn child in Eugowra to encourage parents to read to their children.
Shirley's volunteering also extends to the local primary schools: she listens to students read and attends activities at the Public School where she was a member of the P & C for 12 years and is a supporter of St Joseph's School.
"She is a quiet in nature but very kind and giving," the award citation read.
"Earlier this year she retired from a volunteer with Meals on Wheels driver having done this for many, many years, even delivering meals on Christmas Day.
"She exemplifies what a volunteer is and always willing to spend time with the clients and have a chat."
Shirley is a member of the knitters group who knit squares to make rugs which are sent overseas for those in need.
She has been a steward at the local Show where she worked in the Art Section for many years and is also a volunteer at the Eugowra Historical Museum and Bushranger Centre.
