March 29th, 2025Volunteer, stand up and be counted …

New inductee onto the Heather Mutimer Honour Roll,  Bullarto’s Mary Harvey says her recent IWD accolade comes as an unexpected surprise.

The recent International Women’s Day gong pays homage to Mary’s impressive role in contributing to multiple community organisations and committees as a volunteer.

Both Mary and her husband Don Harvey are particularly well known for their volunteer roles with the Daylesford and District Agricultural Society and their vital contributions to helping bring the local Daylesford show back to life and making it happen in style each year.

A retired librarian and French teacher,  Mary’s volunteer contributions to the wider local community span U3A, the French Circle, the Bullarto Hall Committee, the Spa Quilters and the Trentham branch of the ALP.

Mary was keen to encourage others to get involved in volunteering and also very keen to encourage girls and women to stand up and be counted.

“Don’t underestimate yourself,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself forward.

“I’d like to encourage people to volunteer. You meet some great people out there. You meet some great people and work with some great people.

“The people I work with are fabulous. They’re selfless in a way, and somebody’s got to do it.

“These organisations and volunteers are the backbone of our communities. It can be very rewarding.”

Mary said it’s a bit concerning to see that many communities are struggling to attract a new generation of volunteers.

“There are so many organisations in our community alone, some 80 in and around Daylesford. But our volunteers are ageing. Don is 80 and I’m 78,” she said.

As to her recent IWD honour, Mary said: “It is a bit of a surprise being nominated. I hadn’t expected it. I was pleased … and proud.”

Words and Image: Eve Lamb