Volunteer recognised for five-year effort

A Bunbury woman has been recognised for her invaluable five years of volunteer work at the Val Lishman Health Research Foundation.

Tricia Ewing retired from her career as a medical scientist in 2010, but her passion for research continued as she volunteered her time to the not-for-profit organisation.

Mrs Ewing decided to step down from her position on the foundation’s research management committee at the end of last year, but did not leave without being presented with a certificate of appreciation.

The committee supervises the foundation’s research projects and considers applications for possible future studies.

The 64-year-old said she was not expecting the recognition.

“It was very pleasing to have what I’ve done be recognised, ” she said. “I mean, I definitely didn’t do it for the recognition, but it was nice to receive the certificate.”

She said the study on Familial Hypercholesterolaemia — a genetic disorder associated with high cholesterol levels — and an autism spectrum project were highlights of her tenure at the foundation.

“I also met a lot of lovely people and a lot of hardworking researchers who are volunteering their time, ” she said. “It was a privilege to work with them.”

The foundation is a Bunbury-based organisation that promotes health research to benefit regional areas in Australia.

Mrs Ewing said the foundation was fantastic and provided advantages for the community.

“The foundation believes research should have some practical and physical outcomes for the community who are raising the funds for the research, ” she said.

On leaving her position at the foundation, Mrs Ewing said she was open to other opportunities to continue volunteering her services.