Long-time volunteer is still on the job

By Sarah Schwager
THIS year’s winner of the Casey Citizen of the Year has spent many years devoting her time to helping out young people in the community.
Doveton’s Margaret Fairhurst was shocked when she received the honorary title last Friday at the City of Casey’s Australia Day ceremony.
“I was extremely surprised,” she said. “It was overwhelming. I’m a part of the community. Volunteering is just what I do.”
Mrs Fairhurst, who has lived in Doveton for 30 years, has been involved as a scout leader and youth leader with the Doveton Scout Group, who nominated her for the award.
She also volunteers at Doveton North Primary School, helping in the classroom and with events, with the Berwick Blue Light Disco, and takes part in the Doveton Eumemmerring Neighbourhood Renewal Program.
She has also been involved in organising the Doveton Show, Australia Day events in Doveton, local sports days and school holiday programs.
Mrs Fairhurst, 52, said the desire to help out in the community came from her father, who had always helped out around Glen Waverley, where she grew up.
Her husband Roly was a scout leader and so she easily fell into the role, continuing on as her daughter and son, now 27 and 32 respectively, and grandchild, made their way through the ranks.
Mrs Fairhurst also helped out at her children’s school with things like classroom reading, starting up again after they graduated.
After the excitement of winning the award, Mrs Fairhurst said it was back to her normal routine.
She will be hard at it again volunteering at this Saturday’s Blue Light Disco at the Berwick Leisure Centre.
“I just want to thank my family for supporting me over the years,” she said.
“I also want to thank all the other volunteers. Without them doing their work, these things just wouldn’t happen.”