Ninety-five years ago Gisborne was a very different place.
For life-long resident and volunteer extraordinaire Beth Crawford, one thing that has not changed is her love for the town and passion for volunteering.
Sitting at a table cutting fabric for the St. Paul’s Op Shop, Beth tells the tales of the town she said is the only place she’s ever wanted to live.
“I’ve never been anywhere else that I’d like to go better [than Gisborne]. I just like the place,” Beth said.
“When I was little 300 people was the extent, there were 13 [kids] at the primary school when I left it.”
Beth celebrated her 95th birthday on September 14, bringing in the milestone with fish and chips at the pub and trip to the pokies.
This year Beth has also celebrated three decades of volunteering with St. Paul’s, something which she said is second nature.
“[I’ve been volunteering here] since Ash Wednesday… I’ve just always done it and [I] just keep on wanting to do it, I’d like to be able to do more.
“Years ago when I was young you volunteered for everything. Nothing happened unless there was a group [volunteering].”
Throughout the years Beth has volunteered with many groups including the Red Cross, CFA ladies auxiliary, Vision Australia, Ambulance committee, swimming pool committee, senior citizens homes association, ladies guild of the church and more.
Zoe Moffatt
