Red Cross champion and all-round "extraordinary Australian" Pamela Hamory has been named Eurobodalla's Local Hero for 2021.
In the nomination for the award, Pam was described as someone who had made a remarkable contribution over five decades of unpaid voluntary work, which started at school and continues well into her retirement.
With a history too long to list, Pam's volunteer work includes 25 years with the Australian Red Cross, a volunteer fire fighter from 1974 till 2002, roles in local radio, the Australasian Alpaca Breeders Association, the Eurobodalla District Show, Eurobodalla Amateur Bee-Keepers and the Gourmet Gardeners Group, as well as founder and leader of Eurobodalla Spinners and Weavers founder and even croquet coach.
Her earlier volunteer work included serving meals to the homeless in Kings Cross, ecology and environment work, health work, and sports development for students.
"Pam's lifelong commitment to voluntary work is an inspiration for the whole community," the nomination stated.
In accepting the award at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden on Wednesday, Ms Hamory praised the other nominees for their contributions.
"I'm only a little person in a big wheel, hoping to help push it along," she said.
She spoke of the shire's recovery from fire, flood and pandemic and said the Red Cross had "been there through it all".
Finalists in the award were Rachel Dunne and Gary Traynor. Ms Dunne is a mother of five, fulltime schoolteacher, and a tireless volunteer with the Moruya Football Club, Eurobodalla Football Association and her local school P&C. Mr Traynor was commended for his life of service and for now contributing much of his time instructing army cadets, volunteering with the PCYC and working on valuable projects that acknowledge military history.
Two local residents were also highly commended; Ian Goodrum and Thomas Edrich, who risked their lives in separate incidents to save people caught in rips.
In announcing the awards, Eurobodalla Deputy Mayor Rob Pollock praised all 20 award nominees.
"Your nomination today is testament to your incredible work in the community. People recognise your work and value what you do. They want to see you acknowledged," he said.
"I encourage you to continue to share your love and pride for Eurobodalla. Let's keep working together to leave a legacy of optimism for the generations to come. A legacy of kindness, of generosity, selfless spirit and the ideal of the greater good."
