Former Powell River resident Shelley Boyce, née Lawlor, has been recognized for volunteer efforts in her adopted country.
The tireless volunteer has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Southern Highlands community.
Boyce has dedicated her life to contributing to the greater good.
“Volunteering gives us all a chance to make a difference, to become part of a positive groundswell for the greater good,” she said. “Success in volunteering means inspiring and encouraging others. There is always someone out there just waiting to be asked. Everyone has something to contribute so we must invite others to join in.”
Boyce said volunteering has enriched her life in many ways.
She is the chair of the Southern Highlands Foundation, which is a community foundation serving the local community, a position she had held for 20 years. She also sits as a director of the national CF board and attended a recent conference in Victoria.
Boyce also travelled to Powell River at that time to visit family and celebrate the life of her older brother, George, who died recently.
She has played a role in many community organizations. In addition to being a director on the board of Australian Community Philanthropy, she is a member of Wingecarribee Arts and Culture Committee, the Southern Highlands Arts Precinct Enterprise, Volunteering Wingecarribee, the Southern Highlands Starfish Committee, Moss Vale and District Agricultural Society, Bowral Girl Guides, Meals on Wheels and Lifeline Southern Highlands.
Boyce is an active member of the Rotary Club of Berrima District, where she is currently president elect for 2019. Other roles she has held within the club include president from 2009 to 2010 as well as a former youth director and international director. She has been a Paul Harris Fellow since 2004.
“We all want to belong and feel as though we can leave a positive imprint on our community,” said Boyce. “It has been my great joy.’
Boyce has lived in Australia since 1977. She and her husband Philip have five children and “nearly” eight grandchildren. They have worked together in their legal practice for nearly 30 years.
