Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Shirley Hill

Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (13:28): Happy 100th birthday to Shirley Hill. Shirley was born on 10 June 1924. She is the youngest of three daughters born to Hilda and Bertie Coates. During her teen years she helped her parents in their stationery and gift store in Traralgon. At the outbreak of World War II she joined the Voluntary Aid Detachments as a nursing aide, and after the war finished she joined the Red Cross and has had life-long experience as a volunteer. In 1949 she married Douglas Hill – grandson of William Caldwell Hill, a founding member of the Country Party and the federal member for Echuca from 1919 to 1934. During this time she volunteered at the Red Cross, in the blood bank.

In October 1964 she lost her dear husband to MND and stoically, beautifully and successfully raised her four children and went on to continue with her volunteer work in the Red Cross throughout her life. She also participated in the agricultural society and as a Sunday school teacher in her local church. She began with Lifeline in its inception in Gippsland in 1968. She is a great lady of faith, of compassion and of insight, with great passion and advocacy for her region. She has nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and she is an inspiration to all who know her. Happy birthday to Shirley Hill.