Seniors who help our communities thrive have been recognised for their efforts, with Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders presenting Wellington’s Terry and Donna Dray with a Local Achievement Award as part of the 2022 NSW Seniors Festival.
Mr and Mrs Dray were recognised for their contributions to the Wellington Diggers Swimming Club, as well as the Wellington Eisteddfod, Legacy and the wider community.
“Terry – or Tippy as he’s better known – and Donna are two examples of good citizenship, who enrich the lives of those around them every day,” Mr Saunders said.
“Their kind and selfless natures shine through in everything they do for Wellington and it’s great to be able to recognise that with this award.”
Tippy has also been president of the former Wellington Basketball Association, representative on Wellington Shire Council, and is currently on the board of the Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club.
Donna coached Little Athletics for many years, and both were heavily involved with junior rugby league, especially while their sons were playing.
Tippy said the couple was “surprised” and “very honoured” to receive their awards.
“Wellington is our home and we like to contribute as much as we can,” he said.
“I’ve been president of the Diggers Swimming Club for something like 40 years and it was something my father was involved with, so I like to keep it going!
“We really enjoy doing our little bit. You get a lot of pleasure out of volunteering in a number of those organisations so I’d really encourage people to put their hand up.”
“Tippy and Donna showcase the qualities of seniors who make our region such a fantastic place to live, and I congratulate and thank them for their generous contributions to our community,” Mr Saunders said.
More local winners will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information about NSW Seniors Festival, visit: seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au
Congratulations Tippy (its like speaking to your dad) and Donna. It is so long since I have been in touch with your family it was really wonderful to see your smiling faces again in Dougald’s news letter in our emails. Nothing has changed as you said you are just following in your father’s footsteps.
Well done and well deserved.