Resident recognised at Parliament House

Woy Woy resident Ms Beverly Thompson has been recognised in the NSW Government's Public Housing Seniors Achievement Awards held at Parliament House in Sydney.

She was presented with her award by NSW Housing Minister Mr Joe Tripodi and Member for Peats, Ms Marie Andrews, recently.

Ms Andrews praised the efforts of her local housing stalwart.

"Bev's motto in life is 'to help and be there for others' and she has certainly lived up to this motto," Ms Andrews said.

"Since 1970 Beverly has fostered 140 children. This is a remarkable achievement of humanity."

Ms Thompson is a sole parent with two grown children of her own and adopted Shelley, who suffers from borderline Downs Syndrome, when she was a baby.

As well as being a dedicated foster parent, Ms Thompson volunteers with Meals on Wheels and is a tireless worker for the elderly, providing friendship, support, meals and gifts to others.

Ms Thompson volunteers for the Pioneer Dog Training School every week, and fundraises for the elderly and the RSPCA.

Thirty-three years ago Ms Thompson also set up the South Woy Woy Kariong Physical Culture Club and has taught young girls ever since.

Ms Thompson is also setting up the Footprints Hall of Fame history exhibition at an old school in Point Claire, which will open soon.

The awards were open to all public housing residents aged 60 years of age and people with a lifelong disability over the age of 50 years.

Fifty nominations were received from across the state and two seniors were recognised in each of the department's four divisions.

Mr Tripodi said he was delighted to present Beverly with her award.

"With seniors representing 17 per cent of the public housing tenants, the NSW Government has officially recognised the talent, wisdom and achievements of our senior public housing residents such as Beverly Thompson," Mr Tripodi said.

"Many of the senior achievers that were recognised at the ceremony have faced their own challenges in life, yet work selflessly and tirelessly for their friends, neighbours and community."

Press release, May 23 Marie Andrews, Member for Peats