While her girls were at school she was on the P & C for the girls ’ primary and high schools and got herself a part time job with Angus and Cootes , the jewellers . During this time , she realised that there were very little sporting opportunities for girls in the area , and Shirley being Shirley , set about to change that ! With some help from Castle Hill RSL and the council , Shirley and some other ladies set up the very successful Gazelle ’ s netball club , which is still running to this day .
“ I ’ m still connected with the club ; I ’ ve been a member of the Zonta Club for over 42 years and we decided we wanted to get a bit more involved in the community and sponsor girls ’ sport . I suggested the Gazelles , and we have been sponsoring them for a few years now .”
It was through her commitment to the Zonta Club that Shirley was nominated for her Australia Day award this year , which she says she was very humbled to receive . The Zonta Club has been in the Hills for many years ; it works to empower women both locally and internationally . Shirley has been the president twice , area director of NSW and ACT and currently is the service chairwoman .
One thing the club has been involved with is providing birthing kits for third world countries . Another project they work on is making breast care cushions for women who have had mastectomies .
“ One of my jobs is to organise working bees . We make lovely satin cushions that are worn over the shoulder with a strap
and fit over the breast area . We support the Western Sydney Area hospitals with them in conjunction with a couple of other clubs . We also give the cushions to Westmead Breast Cancer Clinic .
“ Initially , I designed a temporary breast form and we have been working with that for some time . Thankfully clinicians aren ’ t doing as many mastectomies as they used to , so less cushions are required .”
The Zonta Club are also involved in the local Domestic Violence network and work to help women and children get away from abusive situations .
When Shirley turned fifty , she decided to give herself a fresh challenge and went back to university . To gain entry she did night classes for a year , and then went to Macquarie University to study psychology .
Shirley gained a bachelor ’ s degree in psychology with behaviour sciences and didn ’ t stop there . A lifelong dream was to become a councillor so she completed a post grad course and has that qualification under her belt as well .
Another dream which she had held on to since childhood was to visit the city of Pompeii and see the village which was buried under volcanic ash from the eruption of Mt Vesuvius . She made this dream come true as well when she travelled there with Geoff on a special holiday when he retired .
After speaking to Shirley , I asked if she had anything to share with readers about volunteering and living life to the fullest . Her advice was this :
Shirley has been part of the Zonta Club for over 42 years
“ Think about what you really want to do then find people in the area who are involved in the cause and ask if you could go along to a meeting . You have to be careful to choose something you are really interested in ; you don ’ t want to start something then leave as it can leave the group without a person to help out .
“ Go along to different meetings and see what you think , be upfront with the members and tell them you are just finding out about what they do , and that you may not necessarily join them - it may not be what you want .
“ Think about the amount of time available , time is of the essence and is super precious . I fitted a lot into my time because I ’ m 91 !”
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We offer amazing catering packages ! QR or check out the website for details Perfect for parties and family gatherings THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 83 // MAY 2022 7