Albany volunteer Joan Ward wins WA lifetime contribution to volunteering award for 74 years of service

Albany resident Joan Ward has won the lifetime contribution to volunteering award for her 74 years of community service. Ms Ward received the honour at the 2024 WA Volunteer of the Year awards on Thursday. She has worn many hats in her hometown of Dumbleyung and later Albany, where she moved with her husband Colin in 1996. Organising blood drives, op shops and fundraising for annual community events, the Albany Hospital shop, building cottage homes for the elderly, and serving on the committee of golf, badminton, tennis, waterskiing, lawn bowls, and social clubs are just some of the achievements on the 90-year-old’s resume. Ms Ward said she had lightened her workload — her main focus now is serving as Albany Probus club president — but joked that her family used to need an appointment to see her. “Much to my family’s delight, I have learnt to say ‘no’ and just enjoy a quieter lifestyle,” she said. “I had grown up watching my dad doing ‘good deeds’ as volunteering was called in those days. “All through the years, I just did what we all did in small towns to make our communities better, so I’m overwhelmed to have been nominated let alone win.” Ms Ward said ever since her first volunteering position — serving as secretary of her badminton and youth groups after leaving school — she has always enjoyed being part of a successful team. To those considering starting their volunteering journey, Ms Ward says to go for it. “Just get into helping out at a club or organisation you might already be a part of,” she said. “You will be amazed at the pleasure you get out of helping them succeed and you meet so many wonderful people. “We need everyone to just help out and our communities will be stronger and more enjoyable for all.” Volunteering WA chief executive Tina Williams expressed gratitude for all of the volunteers across WA with 240 of them up for seven awards at the 2024 event. “Volunteers show us that anything is possible and that helping one another is how we meet the challenges we face in our society,” she said. “Volunteering is at the heart of the Australian community and there truly is something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to environmental causes, community outreach, education, or beyond, there’s a place where your interests can flourish and you can take action to make the world a better place.”