Betty Murphy has been involved with the Mathoura Retirement Village as a volunteer and as a resident.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Alongside the dedicated Mathoura Retirement Village committee, Betty Murphy has helped shape the village for over four decades.
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She first became involved as a volunteer and committee member, and is now a resident herself.
After concerns emerged about elderly residents struggling to remain safely in their homes, Mrs Murphy attended the very first meetings about establishing the village in about 1984.
She said it was a community nurse who first initiated the idea of a retirement village, identifying the growing need for supported housing for older residents.
“She was looking after a couple of people who were probably living in conditions that weren’t appropriate,” Mrs Murphy said.
“She initially got the word around that we needed to look at providing for some of our community who needed to have a little bit more additional care and who weren't able to look after their homes.
“She was able to put to the community that there was a need, and (asked) did we want to do something about it.”
Betty Murphy with fellow Mathoura Retirement Village residents Barry McMillan and John Hulm.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The answer from the Mathoura community was a resounding yes and within a few years, land purchased from the Anglican Church was transformed into the Mathoura Retirement Village.
The development was heavily supported through fundraising, donations and countless volunteer hours.
Today, the village consists of nine units and continues to operate with the support of the dedicated volunteer committee.
Now living in the village herself, Mrs Murphy said she understood just how important the accommodation was for older residents.
“When we get older, we don’t like leaving our homes, but sometimes they get too much for you. Looking after the inside and outside, it becomes a bit difficult as we get older,” she said.
“We're very, very fortunate in having a community of people who obviously value our elders who might need support.
“I think everybody who lives here would feel very grateful that they have this option.”
Betty Murphy has enjoyed volunteering where she can.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Although the village remains well supported, Mrs Murphy said finding volunteers was becoming increasingly difficult as people balanced work and family commitments.
Still, she believes volunteering remains essential to keeping regional communities strong.
“I think really we all have a responsibility for ensuring our communities are good places to live,” she said.
“Personally, I’ve always had a lot of enjoyment from being able to contribute and help our community if I’m able to.”
As National Volunteer Week shines a spotlight on the people who quietly keep communities running, volunteers such as Mrs Murphy stand as a reminder of what can be achieved when locals support one another.
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