Gail Nancarrow; a humble and generous volunteer.

Gail Nancarrow, on the steps of the Tiaro CWA Hall. She would love to have more volunteers to help.

Tiaro resident Gail Nancarrow was announced Citizen of the Year by the Fraser Coast Regional Council in January, being recognised for her generous and compassionate work within the Tiaro community.

"I lived and worked on our dairy farm at Theebine until I went out west and worked as a governess at the age of 16", Gail told us when we interviewed her for our Oral History Series; Having a Voice.

"My father and mother always helped others and people don't seem to have the time these days" she continued "my husband always gave to the community when he could and so do I, it is a gift to be able to give".

Her work with the Tiaro Country Women's Association (CWA), Anglican Church and Community Centre includes cleaning buildings. Her love of gardening is also put to good use - pruning the CWA gardens and much more.

She has actively participated in the community since moving to Tiaro in 1970. She became involved with the CWA following the closure of the Anglican Church and the Rural Youth Club.

"I host hoy (a card game) at the CWA with some of the members; hearing the women giggle and enjoy themselves is worth any effort I put in” she said.

She said there are many people in the community that are elderly and need more help "We need more volunteers, the trouble is that many people are working so do not have the time. If people could help the older members of the community and others, it would be such a big benefit". Her oral history interview and many others will be published on the libraries' youtube site found here.

Published with consent from Gail Nancarrow.

Tags: #Tiaro #volunteers #AustraliaDay #community #cwa