15 June, 2023
Recognition for 20 years of voluntary work in Woodford
A surprise morning tea took place at Woodford Manor Aged Care on Friday June 2, to recognise Shirley Wallis’s contribution to the Woodford Historical Society and Museum.
About a dozen people including friends and family attended the event, with Moreton Bay councillor Tony Latter presenting a certificate to the recipient.
Muffins, tea, coffee and a special cake were consumed in a decorated function room, with Shirley caught unawares by the occasion.
As part of the presentation, Woodford Historical Society and Museum secretary Donna Grigor gave a speech.
Having helped set up the Woodford Historical Society and Museum, Shirley worked as a volunteer for the museum for more than 20 years, mainly as the secretary.
Shirley said there was a lot of fundraising when the museum first opened, while people very generously made donations.
Shirley also played a key role in the formation of the Woodford-based aged care facility, as she knew the owners of the house which was previously at the location.
“We sat down and chatted, and with the money we raised we bought the property,” Shirley recalled.
“Then the owners of Embracia Aged Care approached me about putting a facility on the land.”
The rest, as they say, is history, with Embracia running the facility before selling it to Woodford Manor.
Shirley said “the locals didn’t have to leave Woodford”, while she was happy she didn’t need to move away either.
“Everyone here is so kind, and to me being kind is the most important thing,” she said.
“The girls are just lovely.”
Shirley said she was “tired now” after years of volunteering, while “Donna has taken over and she does an amazing job”.
