WHEN Gwen Smith saw the trophies at last month’s Victorian Senior of the Year Awards at Government House, she couldn’t help thinking how nice it would be to receive one.
She knew she’d won something, but as names were announced and trophies disappeared, she assumed none bore her name. “I didn’t twig,” she said.
“Then it came to the final announcement and I heard I’d won the Senior of the Year award. “I was numb. I told myself, come on, get your act together, but when I stood at the podium, I was speechless – which is totally unlike me.” Gwen said she felt “so humbled”. “I had no idea how prestigious the award is.
“There were photos, film crews and people interviewing me. Then the next day I got so many emails and phone calls – I don’t know how Kim Kardashian does it,” the 83-year-old great-grandmother quipped.
At the age of 52, Gwen enrolled in university for the first time and went on to complete a degree in community development. Since then, she has dedicated more than three decades of her life to helping others improve and access opportunities through community-based education and training.
“There are so many who can’t read or write, and many are embarrassed about their lack of education,” she said. “Young people need jobs, but many aren’t work-ready and it’s important to help them build skills and confidence.”
Gwen has served in various roles, including managing the Campaspe Region College of Adult Education. She is president of the Echuca Neighbourhood House and one of the founders of Mirrimbeena Aboriginal Education Group, which supports young Indigenous people to gain access to training, education and employment. “It’s important smaller rural communities have access to community programs.
“Neighbourhood Houses used to be places where people just went for a chat and a cuppa, but now so many other services have shut down, they’re much more than that. “I co-ordinate the programs. The Mirrimbeena bus brings people from smaller towns like Rochester, Rushworth and Tongala to attend courses.
“We share trainers and resources – a course runs in whichever community has the largest number of people wanting to enrol.” Gwen also co-ordinates professional development for her team.
“I’m always after politicians – I call myself a minister chaser. In the country we don’t normally see ministers and other pollies, but it’s important they visit and see the countless hours that volunteers spend working in the community.” Gwen said when the Echuca Neighbourhood House team told her they were nominating her, she said
“Oh, bless you, darlings” – and then forgot all about it.
“You don’t really think about what you do, you just do it. But no one does it alone.
“I have a great team of people behind me and together we make a difference.”
