For the past 26 years, Margaret Behan has devoted herself to helping make life better for children with disabilities.
When Ms Behan moved to Brookfield in 1990, she decided to volunteer with the Riding for the Disabled Association’s Melton branch.
It’s been a long journey and Ms Behan now has several awards, including this year’s citizen of the year, to her name.
Earlier this month, she received a lifetime achievement award from the Health and Human Services Department for her 26 years of volunteering in the disability sector.
“When you say it like that, it sounds like a long time,” Ms Behan says.
“But it doesn’t feel like a long time. I’ve had a sense of enjoyment since day one.
“There’s a sense of achievement when you watch kids improve. We’ve had kids in wheelchairs who’ve gone through to compete at state and national-level competitions.”
Ms Behan says that while she loves helping make someone else’s life better, her work has “grounded” her.
“It certainly puts life in a good perspective,” she says.
“You can’t feel sorry for yourself when you see these kids with disabilities restricted but achieving things.
“It gives you a grounding for life, and that’s probably the best thing.”
For more information about the Riding for the Disabled Association, call 9258 4730.
