Oscar Parry
Passionate about her town, Susan Mary Love received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for her service to the community of Malmsbury.
A volunteer with the Malmsbury Town Hall, Village Fayre Committee, Mail Committee, Farmers’ Market, Advance Association; and the Collingwood Children’s Farm, Ms Love said that volunteering “came naturally” to her.
“After my 31-year teaching career, I joined the Collingwoods Children’s Farm. I … started a flower stall using flowers and herbs from the farm to create bouquets,” she said.
In Malmsbury, Ms Love was instrumental in starting the farmers’ market in 2019 and the flea markets, which she said has helped bring visitors to the town.
“It was a pretty big effort to get that up and running. It brings a lot of people into Malmsbury,” she said.
“When you see them up and running … It is very satisfying.”
Ms Love enjoys living in Malmsbury, which she said has a number of charms.
“I think it’s a unique little town. It’s got some special features like the botanic gardens and the bluestone quarries from way back,” she said.
“There’s aspects of it that really shine. There’s the farmers’ market, the annual fair, very generous flea markets.”
For the future of Malmsbury, Ms Love remains committed and hopes for more facilities for youth, such as a skatepark and tennis club.
