Long-time Melton resident Maureen Mohr’s service as a “compassionate and tireless community leader” was honoured through her induction into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women last week.
At a ceremony on Tuesday, September 2 at the Arts Centre Melbourne, 24 women were inducted into the honour roll, which aims to honour stellar community service, outstanding contributions, and the many ways in which women across Victoria make a lasting difference.
Ms Mohr was recognised in the ‘Local Champion’ category.
Living in Melton for more than 50 years, she was inducted for her work as a compassionate and tireless community leader whose work has had a significant impact in the region.
Through the Melton St Vincent de Paul society, she has helped women who have escaped family violence .
“We try and get them furniture for their home or clothing … because they come away only with what’s on their back,” Ms Mohr said.
With this organisation, she has also provided free breakfasts to children at St Dominic’s Primary School in Melton and St Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School in Melton West.
She has also worked as an ageing well ambassador and as a community member with the arts and culture committee with Melton council.
Ms Mohr was also instrumental in determining a need for the Vinnies mobile soup van service in Melton that began last November, working with others in her committee to bring it to fruition.
At home, she and her husband Tom volunteer their time to sort food and material aid donations to be distributed throughout the community.
When asked about her induction, Ms Mohr said she feels “very humble about the whole thing”.
“I was probably out of my depth [at the ceremony] with all of these other enriched people who have done so much for everybody … I thought I was a very minor player,” Ms Mohr said.
“I suppose when you volunteer, you get more out of it than what the person you’re helping does … it makes you realise you can do something for others without spending too much time.
“It’s just a matter of being mindful of others, I think.”
