Inspirational volunteer named in King’s Birthday Honours
By Wendy Shaw
A Catholic parishioner from Launceston has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List for her service to the community and heritage conservation.
Gillian Forsyth was one of 13 Tasmanians to be awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Gill, who attends St Patrick’s College Chapel, volunteers with the St Vincent de Paul Society, in the Woolmers Estate rose garden at Longford and coordinates garden volunteers at the Franklin House National Trust property in Launceston.
She said the award was a surprise.
Tasmanian-born Gill, who worked as a nurse in London for more than 35 years, said it was seeing homeless people in San Francisco that prompted her to join the Apostles Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Launceston.
“When I came home, there was a message in parish bulletin asking if anyone was interested in helping and I thought I could do that, so that was it,” she said.
“I volunteer with Vinnies. I go out on the [Vinnies] Van, usually once a month, and have a chat with the folk who turn up for soup and sandwiches and I really enjoy that.
“I also do emergency relief interviews when we give out food supplies.
“At times there are some possibly confronting issues but you just have to work through those and there are always other folk you can talk to.”
Gill has always loved gardening and has quite a large garden—and two pet sheep—of her own, but still finds the time to volunteer at both Woolmers and Franklin House.
She said the rewards are many, including spending time outdoors with fellow garden enthusiasts.
“I think it is the people who you work with, and they are all like-minded and interested in gardening and in maintaining the heritage aspect of these places. And just being out in the fresh air.
“Volunteering … is a very satisfying thing to do.”
She is also known for thoughtful acts of kindness within the parish over many years.
On Facebook, Woolmers Estate posted that staff and volunteers were “thrilled at the news that tireless worker Gillian has been awarded an OAM”.
“Gillian has been an integral member of the rose garden workforce for over 20 years.
“But that’s not all she does. Gill also manages the gardens at the National Trust’s Franklin House and for a long time has been a compassionate, hands-on contributor to charitable services.
“Gillian is an inspiration to us all.”
Meanwhile, the National Trust of Tasmania also congratulated Gill on “this richly deserved honour” and said the “recognition couldn’t have gone to a more deserving person”.
On Facebook, the organisation posted: “A long-serving volunteer with National Trust Tasmania, Gillian has dedicated more than 20 years to preserving Tasmania’s heritage.
“Since 2005 she has volunteered at Franklin House, where she coordinates garden volunteers and serves on the House Co-ordination Committee. She has also volunteered at Woolmers Estate since 2006, helping care for two of Tasmania’s most significant heritage properties.
“Visitors to Franklin House know Gillian for her passion for gardening, her knowledge of heritage gardens and her generosity in sharing both with volunteers and visitors. Beyond her work with the National Trust, she has also devoted many years to charitable and community service.”
In a statement issued on 7 June, state premier Jeremy Rockliff said recipients of this year’s honours were recognised for their exceptional contributions across a diverse range of fields and for their enduring commitment to improving the lives of Tasmanians.
“Each Tasmanian recipient has made a lasting contribution to our state,” Mr Rockliff said.
“I congratulate these outstanding Tasmanians and thank them for their ongoing work in our community.”
On behalf of the parish, Launceston Parish Priest Fr Shammi Perera also congratulated Gill on her well-deserved honour.