Helping Mingaletta

Cheryl Young is being publicised by Mingaletta, because ... .

Woy Woy resident Cheryl Young is among several volunteers on the Peninsula who give up their time to help out other indigenous people in need.

Having lived on the Peninsula for more than 27 years, Ms Young said she felt the area was the perfect place to raise a family with her husband Bruce.

Soon after Ms Young began working as a nurse at Gosford Hospital, and later looking after residents at Peninsula Nursing Home.

Ms Young said she found great passion in her work as a nurse because she got to work with people.

"I absolutely loved it," Ms Young said.

"I loved working with people.

"I don't think I would have wanted to do anything else besides it."

Unfortunately, Ms Young could no longer continue her work as a community nurse due to an injury but has instead found something else that allows her to continue working with people.

Ms Young began working as a volunteer for the Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Corporation more than a year ago.

She first began helping Mingaletta president Ms Loretta Hardcastle by answering the phones and making tea and coffee at the Umina office.

From there Ms Young volunteered her time by fundraising for Mingaletta and driving the minibus for young Aboriginal mothers on the Peninsula.

"Mingaletta helps a lot of people in need, whether it is by giving them transport or finding them a home to live in," Ms Young said.

"I think by having Mingaletta it has allowed a lot of indigenous people to open up about their culture and heritage, especially without feeling ashamed."

Clare Graham, 25 May 2007