Shirley keeps on giving
Shirley Nelson, a Byron Bay local and former director of nursing, received national recognition for her 33 years of volunteer and advocacy work for seniors. Ms Nelson was honoured with the 2012 Volunteer Award at the Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) gala dinner on the Gold Coast recently.
Shirley Nelson, a Byron Bay local and former director of nursing, received national recognition for her 33 years of volunteer and advocacy work for seniors.
Ms Nelson was honoured with the 2012 Volunteer Award at the Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) gala dinner on the Gold Coast recently.
The journey began in 1979 when George Feros sought Ms Nelson’s help in fundraising for the town’s first high care nursing home. At the time of agreeing, Ms Nelson didn’t realise she would be carrying the dream for Mr Feros, who passed away before seeing Feros Care open.
Pictured to the right is Shirley Nelson with the daughter of George Feros, Ruby.
Through the formation of a committee, government negotiation and much fundraising, Feros Village Byron Bay – a low care hostel – was opened in 1990. Mr Feros’ dream, however, wasn’t actually realised until 1997 when Feros Village Bangalow (a high care home) was established.
Ms Nelson has always maintained determination and passion about support and care services for seniors living in the Byron shire.
She said it had been an incredible journey from “extremely humble beginnings” – and some difficult times.
“I’m quite uncomfortable being singled out for recognition. I often say that Mr Feros had the dream and I had the passion and tenacity,” Ms Nelson said.
“Though I am appreciative of the award, the true reward is seeing the organisation grow and help others. Feros Care was created by the community for the community – and today, it still does that.”
Feros Care chief executive, Jennene Buckley, expressed gratitude for Ms Nelson’s contribution to the organisation.
“Ms Nelson has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of Feros Care. Since that fateful day when she was approached by Mr Feros, she has volunteered an enormous amount of hours to provide strong governance and participation in our strategic planning, board meetings and organisational events,” Ms Buckley said.
Ms Nelson has also had active roles in the local area health service, and has been invited to sit on regional consultative committees in recognition of her broad knowledge of health and aged care.
