Shirley shies away from recognition
SHIRLEY Reeves of Korumburra was honoured on Australia Day by being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to youth and to the community.
A pillar of the scouting community in both Korumburra and the district, Mrs Reeves has worked with generations of local children to give them new skills and show them how they can be active members of their community.
“I started when my sons started cubs over 50 years ago. It gets into your blood and you stay put,” Mrs Reeves said.
“You just don’t know what you’re going to bring out in people.”
Throughout her ongoing commitment to the organisation, Mrs Reeves has taken on many official roles within the Korumburra 2nd Scout Group and the South Gippsland District, giving up countless hours for the children involved.
“It’s always for the kids. It teaches kids skills for life. It’s got such a lot to give to kids,” she said.
Mrs Reeves attributed the award to not only her determination but to the support she has received throughout the years.
“You can’t do this by yourself; the whole community comes with you and your family has to be behind you.
I’m really grateful to my four sons. They’ve kept me going in scouting because they were so enthusiastic,” Mrs Reeves said.
“I think it’s a pity that they single people out. I’m just a mum and a grandma in a community that I love. I don’t understand how you can get an award by just doing what you love.”
Through the scouts Mrs Reeves has received a 45 Years of Service Award, a Silver Kangaroo, a Silver Emu, a Silver Acorn, and a Medal of Merit.
She was also the Citizen of the Year for Korumburra in 2010 and has been inducted into the Community Information and Support Victoria Honour Roll in 2014.
As well as scouts, Mrs Reeves has been involved in Korumburra Branch of the National Council of Women, the Coal Creek Probus Club, the Korumburra Community Access Centre, and helped to establish both the Volunteer Resource Centre and the South Gippsland Citizens Advice Bureau.
The Medal of the Order of Australia is not the last step for Mrs Reeves.
She plans to continue her amazing work with the scouts and the community.
“It’s a very humbling experience,” Mrs Reeves said.
“It’s something that you never expect, it was really, really amazing.
“I’m just happy with life in Korumburra. I’m not going anywhere.”
Medal awarded: Shirley Reeves from Korumburra was congratulated on being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her work in the community and with youth by Gippsland South MLA Danny O’Brien on Australia Day.
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