If there was a resident of the year award, Dianne would undoubtedly be the frontrunner for her dedication to the wider community.
A resident at Epping Meadows Care Community, Dianne devotes her time to covering children’s books with contact for Meadowglen Primary School – a school not too far from Epping Meadows.
What began as a side project for all the residents has become a point of pride for Dianne. She completes nearly 100 books in preparation for the school’s librarian Jess Marcy, who comes in to collect them at the end of each week.
It all started when the school contacted Epping Meadows Care Community to include a few residents in helping the primary school. But now Dianne has claimed the project, and always does her best to surprise Ms Marcy, and the team at Epping Meadows Care Community with her skills and commitment.
Epping Meadows Care Community’s Wellbeing Manager Alice McWilliams said Dianne had always loved supporting others.
“When Dianne isn’t doing activities or helping us with other things such as decorating for events, Dianne sits outside my office throughout the day backing books [from] Monday [to] Friday – she treats it almost as if it’s her job,” she said.
“She’s always loved helping with activities and helping in general. Whenever we have an event, she’ll come and decorate with us or make things. It’s a meaningful engagement for her because she loves to help people, and she knows that she likes helping the children.
“She’s also built a really good relationship with the librarian Jess, and she loves seeing her come in … it definitely makes her day.”
Ms Marcy said Dianne had been an absolute lifesaver for the school.
“It seemed like an impossible task to get them ready for circulation, but Dianne came to our rescue with her hard work and dedication,” she said.
“She has been so amazing with her support and the students and teachers at Meadowglen are so appreciative to have access to the books that she has covered.
“I love coming in to see Dianne each week as she has the biggest smile on her face while showing me the hard work she has done. She is an angel.”
Dianne is looking forward to a visit from Ms Marcy and the primary school students soon, who makes thank you cards and certificates for her.
