A lifetime of quiet compassion has been brought into the spotlight, with longtime volunteer Maureen Timms named 2026 Senior Citizen of the Year at the Cardinia Shire Australia Day Awards.
The awards were presented at a special ceremony at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Thursday 22 January, celebrating residents whose dedication and service continue to strengthen the local community.
Officer resident Mrs Timms has been an outstanding volunteer with Palliative Care South East (PCSE) since 2012, contributing more than 150 hours through the companionship program.
In 2025 alone, she dedicated at least 30 hours to supporting clients and the palliative care team. Maureen consistently goes above and beyond, taking on extra clients and offering exceptional care and support.
Even while taking a short pause after the passing of her last client, Maureen continues to inspire through her generosity and positive example.
Mrs Timms’ commitment to palliative care was deeply shaped by personal experience, having supported her late husband while he was receiving end-of-life care.
“The nurses were just amazing,” she said. “Seeing what they did was incredible. It really stayed with me.”
Her volunteering extends well beyond PCSE, with ongoing contributions to Relay for Life, Monash Casey, and St John of God, reflecting a lifelong dedication to helping others.
“I just couldn’t believe it,” Mrs Timms said after receiving the award.
“I’ve never ever got anything like this. This is my biggest achievement within my volunteering. It’s just lovely to be recognised and nominated.”
She said while the award was unexpected, the work itself had always been its own reward.
“I’ve always loved what I do. It makes me very proud,” she said.
“We don’t do it for accolades. We do it because it’s something we want to do — just being able to spend time with people at that stage of their life.”
Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Brett Owen said Mrs Timms embodied the spirit of community service.
“Maureen consistently goes above and beyond, taking on extra clients and offering exceptional care and support,” Mr Owen said.
“Maureen continues to inspire through her generosity and positive example. Her compassion and selflessness make her a true role model and a deserving recipient of the Senior Citizen of the Year Award.”
The Timms are keeping the momentum of community service alive since living in Berwick. Many years ago, her daughter Jodie Welsh was honoured as the City of Casey’s Young Citizen of the Year, Maureen now carries forward their family legacy.
“I’m extremely proud of mum this is due recognition of all the voluntary hours she puts in,” Ms Welsh said.
“She loves working with families and especially the elderly.
“I also love seeing other family members contributing to their community and playing an important role no matter how large or small.”
While volunteering is on the decline, Mrs Timms is proof that anyone can make a big difference.
“Loneliness is a real problem for the elderly,” she said. “Volunteering really helps. You’re never too old to start. There are so many organisations and activities out there.”
