A LIFE DEVOTED TO HELPING OTHERS
AFTER 50 years working to enrich the community, Lyn Mulligan’s efforts continue to inspire.
Each day the 88-year-old sits down to fire off emails, make phone calls and write letters to those she knows are doing it tough.
“Look after yourself and look after your neighbour,” Ms Mulligan said.
Across half a century of volunteering she’s worked at the Dove opportunity shop, Oxfam Ocean Grove, the Uniting Church, Rural Australians for Refugees, Bikes for Humanity, Bellarine Community Health and Girl Guides.
Ms Mulligan is one in a series of women the Geelong Advertiser has decided to feature as the community is asked to nominate inspiring, influential and innovative women.
Ms Mulligan is a passionate refugee advocate and has recently been in contact with a family of six from Afghanistan who are making a new life in Australia.
The family’s hardworking father, who drives a taxi, has seen a downturn in his work so Ms Mulligan has made it her mission to connect him to people needing transport so he can continue to support his family.
“These people are trying to make a life here and they deserve support. All have interesting stories and you have to take time to listen to them,” she said.
Earlier this year, Ms Mulligan was instrumental in gathering a “truckload” of bikes for fire-affected communities in Gippsland. Last year two book sales she held along with other Oxfam volunteers raised more than $5000.
Her efforts are so well known, some in Ocean Grove are dropping donations at her home following the closure of local op shops.
To succeed as a volunteer Ms Mulligan’s advice is simple: “have an open mind and a good heart.”
To make a nomination, visit geelongadvertiser. com. au/ competitions. Nominations for the Women of the Year awards are open until April 5, with winners to be announced on May 8.