Carrying on her mother’s caring legacy through CVS

Dael Giddins has a long history of serving her community, so it was no surprise to anyone when she decided to sign up as a volunteer in IMPACT Community Services' Community Visitor Scheme.

But Dael was in for a surprise when she learned that her mother, Patricia Woodcock, was the very first IMPACT CVS volunteer in Gayndah. She signed up in 2002 and visited Gayndah's elderly residents for 10 years.

Dael's mother Pat also had a long history of serving her community and was keen to pass on that sense of social duty and responsibility to her daughter.

“Mum got me started in the Junior Red Cross,” she said.

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Growing up, Dael's family didn't have it easy, and often struggled.

“But Mum was always ready to help others, even when it was a struggle to put food on the table.

And that lesson from her mum has been well-learned as Dael is well-known in her town for supporting her community, having started working in Local Government full-time from the age of 15.

She is a Division 4 Councillor on North Burnett Council but is also very active in volunteering endeavours.

She is active in community sport and has spent countless hours volunteering for organisations and currently holds executive positions within the Gayndah Rotary Club, Central Regional Little Athletics and Gayndah Orange Festival Committee, while being an active member of the Gayndah CWA (she opens and closes the CWA rooms every day),  and the Gayndah District Netball Association. 

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Dael has had a long association with Central & Upper Burnett District Home for the Aged (Gunther Village) and is now a board member for the facility. 

“Mum started the Gunther op shop 35 years ago to raise money to buy them equipment,” Cr Giddins said.

And Dael has honoured her mum's legacy once again at Gunther by working in the shop.

Her voice is filled with pride when talking about her Mum and her efforts in the community.

“Mum loved teaching crafts, playing cards, she just loved that interaction,” she said. “She was a very thoughtful person.”

Dael has only recently signed up to be a community visitor but she is really looking forward to providing a little bit of companionship to a resident who needs a friend, and has been trying to encourage others to sign up at CVS.

“You can do so much for someone by just a little effort,” she said, “but it makes a big difference in their lives. I encourage people to give up an hour or two of their time to make a difference in someone's life.”

If you want to find out more about volunteering call IMPACT Community Services’ Community Visitors Scheme coordinator Heather Hinsbey on 4153 4233.