General News
2 August, 2026
Fifteen years of service recognised
Joy Smith’s dedication to the Wimmera Hospice Care Auxiliary over 15 years of service has been recognised following her resignation at the charity group's recent AGM earlier in the month.
Joy Smith’s dedication to the Wimmera Hospice Care Auxiliary over 15 years of service has been recognised following her resignation at the charity group's recent AGM earlier in the month.
Mrs Smith received a bouquet of flowers in appreciation and recognition of her service.
“It's lovely, and I don't deserve it because I haven't done any more than anyone else did; but I'm very grateful for it,” she said.
She first joined the Wimmera Hospice Care Auxiliary as a member in March 2011 after a friend suggested they join, as the charity group was short of members.
During her 15 years with the committee, she has served as vice president from 2013-2017, and president from 2021-2023, as well as serving as the welfare officer.
Mrs Smith did not need to be in an official role to remain dedicated, as she has always been a reliable member of the charity group who was first to put her hand up to help out.
She has been prominent in organising and helping with fundraisers by baking for cake stalls, and donating her chrysanthemums for the group’s Mothers’ Day fundraiser.
“I enjoyed my time at hospice, and I'm a bit sad to leave, but I'm past my use-by date,” Mrs Smith said.
Mrs Smith’s passion for helping others stems from her occupation as a nurse in her younger years.
She trained at the Wimmera Base Hospital from 1958-1961, then continued work for a year before going on maternity leave, where she then worked intermittently between children.
“(Mrs Smith) will be terribly, sadly missed because she wasn't only a lovely member, but a beautiful person to be around," Wimmera Hospice Care Auxiliary vice president Lea Crammond said.