PORT MacDonnell resident Jeanette Elliott is a quintessential volunteer in the community.
From sorting donated clothes at St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies), coaching netball or serving on various community organisations, Ms Elliott is a deserving recipient of the Queen’s Birthday Order of Australia Medal (OAM).
Speaking with The Border Watch ahead of yesterday’s announcement, Ms Elliott said she was both stunned and “humbled” by the prestigious honour.
“It was a very big surprise when I was notified,” Ms Elliott said.
She revealed her deep love for the community was the driving force in her involvement with various sporting and community groups.
“I am Mount Gambier born and bred and I love where I live. Our family has always been here and we have always been involved in community groups,” Ms Elliott said.
“And I love being around people – I always have.”
Ms Elliott has been a key figure at the South Gambier Football Club, which has a long association with her family.
“My mother, father, husband and eldest son and myself are all life members of South,” Ms Elliott explained.
“I just love the friendships at the club and I enjoyed coaching the netball kids.”
Ms Elliott is also a stalwart of the Mount Gambier Softball League, including the South Gambier Softball Club – and was a recipient of Tenison Woods College Shining Light Award in 2018.
The well known regional resident is also president of the Vinnies Mount Gambier conference and has served as a volunteer with the Red Cross Telecross program.
Ms Elliott has also been a supporter of the Cancer Council of SA Mount Gambier branch.
Regarding her involvement with Vinnies, she said it was important to give back to the regional community and helps others.
“To work at Vinnies, you have to be non-judgemental and I understand how people can struggle through financial difficulties,” the resident said.
“I got married quite young and we had three children very quickly. There was a time we struggled financially, so I do understand that a bit.
“People can lose their job and in six weeks they may be out of their home – bad times can fall on anybody.”
Ms Elliott also enjoys the rich camaraderie with her fellow volunteers.
“When you are with volunteers, you are all on the same page. It is not like when you are in a working environment, you are all there for a good reason – you want to be there.
“You make a lot of beautiful friends, even the people who you are helping. At the end of the day, it is nice to think you have helped someone.”
Ms Elliott paid tribute to her family and her fellow volunteers for their support.
“You do not get recognised with an award without these people – I have a great family and group of friends,” she said.
“There is no way you can beat the drum on your own.”
The award recipient said she felt blessed to live in the Mount Gambier and district community.
“I honestly believe there is no better place to live.”
Ms Elliott has also served on the Pioneers Basketball Club committee and was a long serving secretary of the Western Border Netball Association.
