BORN and bred in the Gloucester region, Dorothy’s memory bridges the town’s history and its present.
Dorothy has lived through four floods and remembers the days of weekly dances.
She also witnessed the building of the high school, two preschools, the scout hall, the Senior Citizen Centre, the hospital, the railway bridge, and the formation of the first volunteer fire brigade.
Dorothy has lived in her Phillip Street home for 64 years.
She remembers when it was a stock route, with stockmen driving cattle to the railway yards.
In 1953, the Shire Council planted crepe myrtles along the street, placing protective barriers to keep the cattle from trampling them.
Each allotment received two trees at a cost of three pounds per tree, payable by the ratepayer.
“The trees are still blooming despite the stock.
“I get to see them flower year after year.”
However, Dorothy’s contribution to Gloucester goes far beyond watching trees bloom.
She was instrumental in bringing the Meals on Wheels service to the town.
Seeing a need, Dorothy took the idea to the Country Women’s Association, of which she remains a member, and gained support.
“There was a need in town.
“The 1970s brought rising inflation and unemployment, and many people were struggling.
“I was very pleased the community supported the idea,” Dorothy said.
With no government support, the Meals on Wheels committee asked the community for funds and equipment.
“Local people also donated food from their farms and gardens to reduce costs,” Dorothy stated.
The service launched in February 1974 with eight recipients; volunteers provided a three-course meal and juice at the cost of 45 cents.
“There were over 65 volunteers from a cross-section of the community,” Dorothy continued.
“But it wasn’t just about the meals,” Dorothy notes.
“We knew we were helping people stay connected with the community, so we organised birthday parties and delivered special Christmas meals.”
Meals on Wheels continues to operate in the town today through the Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Centre.
Dorothy has newspaper clippings, brochures, and books that highlight what makes Gloucester unique: its natural beauty and, as one brochure proclaims, its community spirit.
“It’s a great town, with so much history, and I think it is important to share some of it,” Dorothy said.
By Wendy BUSWELL
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