Time to volunteer

Janice Creenaune meets Prue Watson, a Wombarra local, who has spent much of her life volunteering. Prue now dedicates herself to co-ordinating various volunteer groups in the Northern Illawarra

Prue Watson, even at 78, is not about to stop volunteering. She has spent her life assisting others and now continues her practice in local concerns.

Prue completed a visual arts degree and a Dip Ed at Alexander Mackie Art School in Sydney. In her working life, Prue had various educational roles and for the last 15 years of her working life she was Hazel Hawke’s personal assistant. Prue also supervised volunteers at the Art Gallery of NSW.

She understands the joy and the necessity of volunteering. “We are building a community together, that’s why we all volunteer. There is a drive to work alongside others that certainly keeps me engaged and connected in the community.”

Prue has spent much of her married life moving because of her husband’s work – Brisbane, Sydney, Tasmania, Perth, the US twice and Paris – but she found beauty and a community in Wombarra when she moved here in 1994 and has dedicated much of her time to volunteering ever since.

Prue co-ordinates The Friends of Scarborough/ Wombarra Cemetery Group. “Initially we encouraged Council to stop mowing the kangaroo grass on the northern boundary of the cemetery which has made a comeback. We weeded and planted a scented garden … and continue to keep on top of fire weed and other invasive species.

“A key factor in the success of the group is our having a good working relationship with Wollongong City Council (WCC) who respect and value the efforts of volunteers,” Prue says.

“The local Wombarra Pool Bushcare Group originally worked under the State Land Care program 30 years ago, replacing the kikuyu grass with native vegetation on the headland from the cemetery down to the pool.

“The group was inactive for many years but came together again in 2013 under WCC Bushcare program when there was some illegal slashing of plants. We weeded, planted, mulched the site, maintaining the bio-diversity of the area for the native birds and animals.”

Prue says “a few very dedicated workers” took on recent erosion problems caused by heavy rain.

“Local groups bring people together from all walks of life.

“The litter project, Rise and Shine, was another Council-led program where local groups throughout the Illawarra took on clearing up their environments. We had extra bins provided in the cemetery and at Wombarra Pool picnic area. We rarely have a problem with litter now.”

Prue supported local artists as Events Coordinator at The Clifton School of Arts (CSA) and was a committee member for several years.

“The CSA committee are all local volunteers who have creative arts, business or academic backgrounds. We are looking for new volunteers who have a passion and some skills to share.”

The CSA has grown in recent years and the “strong community” of filmmakers, photographers and artists hold workshops “to enrich our community’s creative experience”.

“We also work very closely with the South Coast Writers Centre with various talks … as fundraisers for the CSA.”

Prue says: “I strongly believe that working together develops strong relationships and builds respect in a community.”

It is through the work of Prue Watson, and the many local volunteers like her, that our communities grow and build for a better future.

Janice Creenaune is a volunteer for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Foundation Australia. Email janicecreenaune@gmail.com