Nominated for community service

Volunteer worker Ms Bev Thompson has been short listed for a regional service award at the NSW Regional Achievements and Community Awards.

Ms Thompson has made it into the top 10 in the State, of 350 nominees.

The Regional Service Award recognises an individual's achievements, demonstrated leadership and outstanding service to the local community.

Ms Thompson was nominated by her neighbour for her hard work and dedication to the Peninsula community.

Ms Thompson said that to be short listed for the award was a great honour.

"My motto in life is there is always someone in need of a helping hand," Ms Thompson said.

"I try and get involved with everything.

"Wherever I can be of use I am."

Ms Thompson has been involved in DOCS and Crisis Care for over four decades.

She has fostered 155 children over the last 40 years.

Ms Thompson also does volunteer work at Gosford Hospital, Woy Woy Community Aged Care and the RSPCA.

She is also actively involved in the Grandparents Parenting group.

"My dream is to win lots of money and build a big home," Ms Thompson said.

"But I wouldn't fill it with expensive things.

"I would fill it with lots of children and fun things for them to do.

"That way I could look after them all at once."

Ms Thompson moved from Sydney to the Peninsula in 1977 with her three children.

"I moved to the Peninsula because I felt the Peninsula would be a lovely place to raise my children," Ms Thompson said.

"The area has been very good to us.

"It is one of the loveliest areas on the Coast to live.

"I wouldn't change it for the world."

The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 10 at Newcastle.

Clare Graham, 27 Sep 2007