A tribute to Wee Waa’s late Shirley Pankhurst was paid by Member for Barwon Roy Butler in NSW Parliament.
Mrs Pankhurst, who died on September 19 aged 91, was a prominent figure in Wee Waa, volunteering her time and service to local organisations and individuals over many years.
Recognising Mrs Pankhurst’s contributions, Mr Butler said he was pleased to be able to pay tribute to her through a community recognition statement to parliament.
These recognitions are given to people ‘who are usually quiet achievers who go about their business contributing to the community, without much fanfare.’
“Shirley was known for her intelligent, inquisitive, persistent, and loving nature and will be missed by her family and the Wee Waa community,” said Mr Butler.
“Dedicated to her family, she had a loving marriage to Dudley and raised three children.
“The wider world beyond Wee Waa would have known her for her contributions to the sport of hockey as an A grade player, A grade coach, A grade national umpire, state selector, Newcastle District Women’s past president and life member and NSW vice president and life member, all of which showed her love and dedication to the sport.
“Shirley moved to Wee Waa in 1985 and soon immersed herself in the community.
“She was an active volunteer and held positions within the Wee Waa and District Garden Club, Historical Museum Society and Community Care Committee, among others. Until recently she was still volunteering one or two days a week.
“Shirley received the 2010/11 Lions Senior Citizen of the Year Award, along with her husband Dudley, the 2016 Narrabri Citizen of the Year Award, and the 2020 Narrabri District Hidden Treasure Award.
“Shirley also received the Ann Williams Clark Medallion from Garden Clubs Australia for her outstanding service and commitment to the Wee Waa and District Garden Club over many years,” Mr Butler said.
“Shirley was always willing to give, and no matter what others saw, she saw it as the ‘glass half full’.
“So it was. I thank Shirley Pankhurst for her dedication and commitment to her community.”
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