Geelong celebrated National Volunteer Week with a range of acknowledgements, including Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan presenting flowers on the steps of City Hall to two of the city’s longest-serving volunteers.
Eighty-seven-year-old Belmont resident Norma Dessent has volunteered at the National Wool Museum, welcoming visitors since it opened in 1988.
Meanwhile, 86-year-old Norma Bushby from Clifton Springs has volunteered her time at the National Wool Museum’s shop since 1993.
City of Greater Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan thanked the women for their hard work and dedication over many years.
“I used to work at the hospital in Ballarat as a volunteer, and when I came down here, I was looking for something else,” Norma Bushby, who has volunteered at the National Wool Museum since 1993, said.
“My husband rang the museum, and I got an interview, and I ended up working in the shop. That was nearly 30 years ago.
“I just love volunteering at the National Wool Museum. I love meeting the people that come into the shop, and I enjoy working with all the other volunteers.
“There are so many benefits from volunteering, and I would say to anyone considering volunteering their time to just go for it. You get to mix with so many people you wouldn’t even usually see or meet. At the National Wool Museum, we have lots of international visitors during normal times, and it’s very interesting talking to them all.”
Norma Dessent has volunteered at the National Wool Museum since it opened in 1988.
“Before I worked at the National Wool Museum, I was a volunteer for 31 years teaching English as a second language,” she said.
“I have just loved working at the National Wool Museum. I usually work in the foyer and greet people and answer any questions they might have. I have met so many interesting people in this time, and I have learned so much from the visitors.”
“Norma Dessent and Norma Bushby are two of our longest-serving volunteers,” Cr Sullivan said.
“With more than 60 years of service between them, they have embodied the ‘Better Together’ sentiment, and we are very grateful to them.”
