If she was to go quietly into the night and enjoy her retirement there wouldn’t be anyone raising an eyebrow, but that is far from the case for Ann.
Since her retirement nine years ago, the Nanneella-born long-time theatre nurse has been a regular contributor to community services.
It is a far cry from being in the operating theatre alongside doctors John Jones, Colin Moyse and Andrew Ahern, with whom she worked through the 1970s and 80s.
“I helped Murray Human Services after I retired and for the last three years I have been volunteering here at Recyclability,” Ann said.
“I am only here one day a week, but I feel like I am doing something useful. And I really enjoy the company.”
She is among 40 volunteers and clients who are the backbone of the operation of the Recyclability Op Shop at the Community Living and Respite Services Percy St base.
It is people such as Ann who are being saluted by the Op Shop community during this week, which is National Op Shop Week.
Ann’s daughter, Angela Hermans, has followed in her footsteps and works in the Emergency Department at the Echuca hospital. Her other daughter, Katrina, lives in the Gippsland town of Paynesville.
“Tuesday is among my favourite days of the week, but I do a lot with the Probus group, walking and playing cards,” Ann said.
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