“If you haven’t got a lot of money but you want to have fun, put a blanket on the loungeroom floor and have a picnic with your kids. Simple, fun things don’t have to cost a lot.”
Paula May has a wealth of such ideas when it comes to raising children. After a record 45 years working in our Family Services team, her wisdom runs deep. Paula retired from BCHS this year, and this week received one of two Honorary Life Memberships, awarded at the 2024 Annual General Meeting.
BCHS Chief Operating Officer Naveen Tenneti presented Paula with her award.
“Anyone who works in health or community care knows that when you affect an individual, you affect a family, and when you affect a family, you affect a community,” Naveen said.
“I can only imagine the thousands of people effected by Paula’s work and dedication over her time at BCHS.”
Paula’s innate belief in positivity contributed to her dedication to her role as a family support worker.
“People can be happy if they are 51 per cent positive,” she said. “And it was very rewarding for me when a family was able to run with their goals.
“We all have hurdles, some high, some low, but if people can start moving and make some differences in their life, their kids really benefit.”
Paula said over her time she saw the Family Services team grow from one to 16 staff.
“It’s an honour to be here and be recognised by community health,” she said.
The second person recognised as a life member was BCHS Board member Vicki Pearce. Vicki joined the board in August, 2016 and is retiring this year after serving the maximum nine years.
Board chair Melanie Eddy congratulated Vicki on the honour.
“Vicki has shown grace, insight and immense dedication to BCHS and its client community over nine years,” Melanie said. “Her attendance and volunteering at events went above and beyond what was expected of a board member.
“Vicki has been a consistent advocate for BCHS in the community and at local, state and federal government levels.”
Vicki said it has been an honour to be part of BCHS for the past nine years. “I’m going to continue helping out as part of the fundraising committee in the future,” she said.
Vicki paid tribute to the staff, the board, and the past 50 years of community health in Bendigo.
