Focus and fulfilment from helping others

By Wendy Shaw

A Mersey Leven parishioner, who has dedicated her life to helping others, has received a top honour in the Devonport City Council Australia Day awards.

Felicity Sly attends Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and is actively involved in a long list of community organisations. She has been named as Devonport’s citizen of the year.

“It keeps me fulfilled and it’s been fantastic,” the retired Don College teacher librarian said.

Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman said the Australia Day Awards honoured the nominees for their selfless contribution to the community.

“Devonport is fortunate to have individuals like you supporting our city …” she said in a statement.

“Whilst we understand that Australia Day holds different meaning and significance for many amongst our community, it affords us an opportunity to reflect on our good fortune to reside in such a wonderful country, and to demonstrate respect, kindness and gratitude.”

According to the citation, Felicity shows “unwavering commitment to serving her community, taking on multiple leadership and volunteer roles despite personal challenges or time constraints”. 

It acknowledged her leadership roles in Gran’s Van (providing food, laundry and shower services in the Devonport area), Devonport Choral Society and Right on Cue Choir; advocacy and education work with the Australian Breastfeeding Association; promotion of children’s literature and youth engagement through her work with the Tasmanian branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia; her work in strengthening Devonport’s cultural scene through roles with Devonport Eisteddfod Society and other arts groups; and her contributions to local schools and the Library Association which have provided development opportunities for students, parents, and professionals.

Felicity said she was surprised, humbled and pleased to be nominated for the award but had not expected to win.

“I couldn’t imagine a life without volunteering in it,” she said.

“It gives me so much more than I give it.

“I am not a Devonport girl. I grew up in Hobart. I moved to Devonport in 1983, after two years in Queenstown upon graduation, to continue working for the Department of Education (now DECYP) and commenced volunteering in 1984 with the Rotaract Club of Devonport and West Devonport Hockey Club.

“It connected me to my community and it helped me to feel I belong, to meet people and to have a purpose. If you are doing something to help someone else, that is the icing on the cake.

“I would advise everybody to volunteer. It gives a focus for life and puts everything in perspective.”