Old Mill volunteer recognised by Rotary Club of Mill Point

Marjorie Barker, a long time volunteer at the City's historic Old Mill has been recognised at the Rotary Club of Mill Point's Unsung Hero Awards.

The award recognises the outstanding efforts and contributions of volunteers and dedicated employees of not-for profit organisations within South Perth.

The award offers an opportunity for the local Rotary Club and community to celebrate the efforts of dedicated individuals who have over many years contributed to the quality of life in the community without reward or recognition.

Marjorie’s contribution to the community of South Perth has encompassed many avenues of service. An elected Councillor of the City of South Perth from 1994 to 1997, Marjorie has a particular interest in the history and heritage of South Perth, helping to provide protection and funding for the Old Mill Theatre, Historical Society and many other groups and individuals seeking to preserve the area’s architectural and cultural foundations.

For more than forty years she has welcomed guests to the Old Mill, and with her close friend Marjorie Easton, the two Marjories have become part of the story of the Mill in their own right, and encouraged multiple generations of South Perth locals and visitors to explore and reflect on our colonial past.

Food Rescue volunteer Kelly Backshall was also recognised at the awards. Kelly began volunteering for Food Rescue in June 2014 as a ‘sorter and packer’ in the Belmont warehouse. Since this time Kelly has worked in all areas of the Food Rescue operation and most recently taken on a role as program facilitator to teach low socio economic people how to cook using rescued food from the Food Rescue Fresh Food boxes which has received funding from Mill Point Rotary for the ‘pilot’ 4 week program.

Kelly has worked closely with the Manager of Food Rescue, mostly in a volunteering capacity. Her contribution by writing all the grants for innovations, such as the Plastics & Packaging Project, were instrumental in its success in what would otherwise have been a missed opportunity due to a very time poor Manager.

Julie Broad (left), Kelly Backshall, Marjorie Barker, Mill Point Rotary President Rick Sneeuwjagt, South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty and Russell Lanyon.