At 80: A time for being active

Heather McKenzie, 80, of Woy Woy does not see her age as a time for relaxation, but for becoming active in the community.

She participates in seven Peninsula committees where she can exercise her views, ambitions and caring nature.

Heather is part of the South Woy Woy Progress Association, the Combined Progress Association, Brisbane Water Water Testing Committee, Woy Woy CBD Committee, Correa Bay Water Committee, Coastlink and the Peninsula Safer Towns Committee.

She also works voluntarily with the Royal Blind Society.

Heather was honoured with life membership of the South Woy Woy Progress Association in 1996.

She has had a long involvement in community activities.

Heather opened the St Vincent de Paul shop in Brickwharf Rd in 1968.

Having managed the shop for three years, she continued to be a volunteer for a further 17 years.

During the 1970s, Heather was one of the people instrumental in the establishment of the Peninsula Village aged care complex and the Woy Woy Community Nursing Home.

Among other efforts, Heather has been a member of the South Woy Woy Progress Association for over 20 years, a driver for the Royal Blind Society for almost 10 years and a volunteer for the Australian Tax Office's returns for the frail and under-privileged.

In her patient, forthright manner, she was reluctant to discuss herself, but happily explained the reasons behind her passion for local issues.

As a determined older citizen, Heather ignores any perception of a generation gap on the Peninsula by attending predominantly night meetings, with people often at least half her age.

"I'm just a pusher," she said.

According to Heather, meetings can be very challenging because of the varying perspectives and viewpoints age differences create.

She feels there should be an acceptance amongst those over 40 of being responsible for the state of today's society.

An example of this, she said, is the widespread acceptance of swearing and drug use on television and in society.

"I think leaders of the community have the responsibility to understand that from the day a baby is born, until it turns 20, it is in a hurry to grow up," she said.

"Any two-year-old will say, 'When I'm better and bigger I'll..'."

Failure to act in situations when community leaders say they will also frustrates her.

"Older people say when something is promised, they anticipate action will be taken."

An example of this she said, is her disappointment that the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) is still in the planning stages after four years of discussion.

"All Australians should have the opportunity to be employed and have facilities to have fun."

She said work and social groups are vital because they are the places people make friends.

"Everybody needs a friend," she said.

She also has concerns for the safety of older Peninsula citizens.

"To be a afraid in your own home is a very destabilising position," she said.

"Being afraid to answer the door is something Australians haven't known in the past."

Despite fear amongst older people, "there is a lot of faith in police", she said.

"Police are doing a good job.

"Local police are almost immediately helpful, but the situation is beyond their control because of staffing,

availability and transport."

But she stressed that "older people aren't helpless, or they don't like to think they are."

"They're independence is very important, but they're quite willing to accept a helping hand."

Heather's community work has led to many friendships, and to an Australia Day Community Service Award in 1998.

Natalie Ruffels, March 10