Goulburn Early Childhood Centre posthumously honours team member for 38 years of service this National Volunteers Week
Bronwyn Cooper began volunteering every week at Anglicare’s Goulburn Early Childhood Centre 38 years ago when she was 14 years old, and next week will be posthumously honoured by staff, parents and children at the centre as part of National Volunteers Week celebrations.
Bronwyn passed away in March this year following complications from a genetic heart condition, however on Monday 18 May the Anglicare team will unveil a memorial bench and plaque dedicated to her in the grounds of the centre.
“Bronnie’s favourite colour was blue so we’re painting the bench blue and celebrating with plenty of blue balloons and a small morning tea [conducted within health guidelines],” says Chelsea-Lee Leonard, an Educator at the Early Childhood Centre. “Bronnie’s favourite place was in the kitchen and she created the most wonderful morning teas three days a week for us and the children.” The children enjoyed sharing their morning teas with Bronnie.
For all connected to the centre, Bronwyn was a much-loved part of the team and her passing was a heartbreaking experience, but it’s hoped that the memorial morning tea will give people greater closure.
“We are so relieved we could attend her funeral before the coronavirus restrictions came into place,” says Chelsea. “The morning tea will be another occasion for us to remember her. Even just last week one of the children asked where she was. We explain to the children that she’s in heaven.”
Anglicare’s team of over 600 volunteers assist across a variety of services including early learning, disaster recovery, disability services and emergency relief services. Many of these programs rely on the selfless support and dedication of people like Bronwyn willing to regularly invest their time for others.
The memorial morning tea will be held at 11am, Monday 18 May at Anglicare’s Goulburn Early Childhood Centre based at Illawarra Institute of TAFE, Verner St, Goulburn. This is a private event in line with COVID-19 health guidelines. For more information about becoming a volunteer with Anglicare or to arrange an interview, call 0437 321 451.
