LOCAL LIFE
MY OTHER LIFE : Marilynn Bradd
Join us on WEDNESDAY of EVERY MONTH for
FREE themed TRIVIA NIGHTS from 7PM
PRIZES to be WON !
WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY - Star Wars
Family FUN !
CSIMARCONI
81 South Street , Schofields NSW 2762 Ph 02 9627 4435 www . csimarconi . com . au
Marilynn found a lot of joy in volunteering and made many new friends .
by Lorna Gordon
For Marilynn , life has always been about adapting and finding purpose in every season . When work on her family farm slowed down , she found a new calling — volunteering . Her journey has taken her from farm life to the welcoming halls of retirement villages and community centres , where she has touched countless lives .
Marilynn ’ s story began in Paddington , where she lived from 1958 to 1970 before gradually moving westward . Eventually , she settled in Yarramundi with her husband , a farmer , and they built a life together for 23 years .
The transition from city life to rural living wasn ’ t always easy , but Marilynn embraced the change . She has now lived in the area for 38 years , and it has become her home . As she moved further west , her social circles changed , but she found new ways to connect with others .
Volunteering became an essential part of Marilynn ’ s life when work on the farm became quiet . Seeking fulfillment and a sense of purpose , she started offering her time to organisations such as the Salvation Army ( Salvos ) in Richmond , Vinnies , and an aged care centre , also in Richmond . Her colleagues become even more important when she separated from her husband and needed to find a place to live .
“ It was the best thing for me ,” Marilynn recalls .
“ The people were wonderful , and one of my colleagues even helped me find a place when I was homeless .”
Through volunteering , Marilynn not only helped others but also found healing for herself . Following the separation from her husband , she lost many of her friendships , and volunteering provided a much-needed fresh start .
“ When I moved into my current home , I wasn ’ t going to give up that work ,” she says proudly .
“ Even today , I ’ m still friends with a lot of people . It ’ s like one big family — we go out for lunches , have coffee , and enjoy Christmas celebrations together .”
One of Marilynn ’ s favourite places to volunteer was the aged care centre . She loved taking residents out to lunch , hosting sing-alongs , and getting to know both the residents and their families .
“ It ’ s such a rewarding job ,” she says . “ It gives you confidence , helps you meet new people , and makes you feel part of the community .”
Her involvement with the Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre and Riverstone Seniors was also deeply fulfilling . Playing bingo , enjoying morning teas , and sharing small lunches created lasting friendships and brought joy to her life .
“ It ’ s a great way to stay active and engaged ,” Marilynn adds .
Though Marilynn no longer drives , she remains grateful for the support she receives from the community she once served .
“ Some people did so much for me , and I knew there were always people willing to help out ,” she says with gratitude .
Marilynn ’ s story is a testament to the power of giving back . Despite facing personal challenges , she found solace and strength in serving others . Volunteering gave her purpose , confidence , and a new circle of friends who have enriched her life in ways she never imagined .
Through her dedication , she has shown that when we give to others , we often receive so much more in return .
Feeling
peckish ?
Satisfy your appetite with breakfast , lunch or dinner at The Fiddler .
WALK INS WELCOME or SCAN TO BOOK A TABLE
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR ! ISSUE 47 // FEBRUARY 2025 11