Josephine represents the very best of local community engagement. She has a long history of volunteering in the Kempsey community, notably 40 years volunteering with Meals on Wheels, and 35 years with the Girls Friendly Society, teaching girls practical skills, meeting after school and on weekend camps and touching many lives. Her passion for connecting with people has been well recognised by the various people she has touched.
Jo serves the Kempsey community tirelessly, in humble, quiet, sometimes unnoticed ways.
Currently, she is involved with:
• Hospice Care,
• Kempsey Museum,
• The Lilli Pilli Ladies,
• Anglican Parish of Kempsey (office and catering),
• The Small Saints Playgroup
• Macleay Valley Association for Christian Education board member,
• Scripture in schools,
• Breakfast Programme at Kempsey High School,
• Parish Pantry,
• Anglicare Emergency Relief,
• Supporting the All Saints Catering & Co. in providing a gentle touch at funerals, wakes, forums, musical events and gatherings.
• Meals on Wheels.
• Macleay Valley Association for Christian Education, where she has worked tirelessly to fundraise to ensure that there is a chaplain for our students in schools.
She is the first to put her hand up to organise fundraising dinners that help to fund the scripture classes in local schools, or to whip up a slice or two or ice a cake at short notice. Joesphine always appears with some home-made goodies, open to a chat over a cuppa, and ready to sit with anyone through challenges. She always provides a friendly face across the many organisations she volunteers of her time and gifts in. And, at all times, Josephine does this with humility and grace.
Having lived all her life in the Kempsey area, Josephine brings local knowledge of the people and various groups that she can draw on, to support people in need. She is a gift to the region, who has a gentle, encouraging approach and would be most embarrassed to hear the content of this nomination.
She continues to give support to the aged (some of whom are often much younger than her 85 years!) And yet, Josephine is often seen in her car, off to visit her family, and join in celebrations. With so many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, her life is filled with wedding cakes, and the love she pours into those whom she touches.
Josephine Robinson has been a remarkable gift to the life of the Kempsey community over her lifetime. She has been involved with countless organisations, volunteering her time, talents and kindness to journey alongside people from many walks of life.