Elizabeth Launder
Location: Brisbane
Colleagues of Elizabeth Launder estimate that, for the past 20 years, she has devoted more than half of every week to volunteering. Elizabeth started volunteering in 1950 with the St John's Railway Ambulance. It was 40 years later, after Elizabeth retired from her role as a state school principal, that she started working for a number of charities in Brisbane. At 79 years old, Elizabeth's volunteering continues to make a significant contribution to her community.
A key focus for Elizabeth is reducing social isolation of older people by providing access to activities and events. Since 2005, Elizabeth has been a bus host, providing commentary and support to older people being transported each week to the Unity Church Friendship Group in Banyo.
Elizabeth has also used her teaching skills to benefit her community, volunteering as an English tutor for refugee families. Elizabeth's idea to use cooking classes to teach English was supported by St Vincent de Paul, which provided grants to buy the food.
Since 1990, Elizabeth has been a member of the Retired Teacher's Association and volunteers at the Mothers Union charity shop at St John's Cathedral. Without Elizabeth's commitment, it would be challenging to staff the shop during the week and its fundraising efforts significantly reduced.
In addition to her weekly volunteering activities, Elizabeth meets monthly with the Anglican Board of Missions Auxiliary about fundraising events. As a Justice of the Peace, Elizabeth is also on hand to witness documents and perform a range of administrative functions.
Elizabeth has never had a driver's licence and either walks or catches public transport to meet her numerous commitments and attend events. Even through occasional bouts of ill-health, Elizabeth's commitment to volunteering has remained steadfast and her contributions to the Queensland community are highly valued.
Last reviewed: 21 August 2009