ST MARYS grandparents Marjorie and Graham Elphick say they are constantly learning from their grandchildren.
The devoted couple were named NSW Grandparents of the Year at state Grandparent’s Day celebrations on October 25 for their 45 years of volunteering at St Marys Public School.
The Elphicks have 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, aged between 2 and 30.
Marjorie also runs her local Women’s Seniors group.
“Being a grandparent as well as the volunteer work we do helps keep us both young,” she said.
The couple has been married for 53 years. “Marj and I are inseparable – I’d be lost without her,” Graham said. “You know you’ve done a good job when all your kids turn out to be respectable young adults and teach their kids the same values.
“I love that my grandchildren and I are constantly learning from one another. “I teach the kids about things in my day and age that no longer exist, and they teach me about new technology and developing things.”
Parkes woman Carol Underwood received a recognition certificate at the awards for her dedication as a grandparent carer.
The 61-year-old has full-time care of her three grandchildren – twins Isabelle and Jemma, 7, and Callum, 3 – and also cares for her parents.
Foster parent Violet Lord received a recognition certificate for her work fostering more than 100 children over the past 40 years as well as volunteering five days a week at her local school, where she serves breakfast daily to more than 100 children.
Mental health educator Ian Gilfeather also received a recognition certificate.
