In the late 1970’s, Lynne Harris moved to a barren patch of Bundoora-Mill Park – new houses, no schools, no shops, and almost no community services.
Over 40 years later, the long-time director of Mill Park Community House has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community through social welfare organisations.
“I am absolutely overwhelmed by this award,” Ms Harris said.
“Receiving the Centenary Medal was wonderful, but this is on another level. I guess it is a recognition of all the work I have done, in conjunction with other valued community members, over the years.”
Ms Harris was instrumental in building the community from the ground up
“Mill Park was a new area with lots of houses and very little else. There were lots of new mums who basically had nowhere to go outside of the home,” Ms Harris recalled.
“We looked at starting support groups from the beginning.”
Those early steps shaped a career of quiet, determined advocacy for inclusion, access and community connection.
“We looked at starting support groups and this is where the Mill Park Community House began to be developed,” Ms Harris said.
“The Mill Park Community House has grown to meet these needs.”
Over time, it has provided countless locals with a sense of purpose, connection and opportunity.
She has served as treasurer of the North East Neighbourhood House Network for more than 20 years and volunteers with the Whittlesea Disability Network.
She began working with Janefield Residential Facility in the 1980’s, helping its residents, many of whom had disabilities, transition from a closed, institutional environment to independent lives in the broader community.
“We worked very hard assisting these residents to become part of the community,” Ms Harris said.
“It was a tough fight and change sometimes is not popular. However, 30 years later, we are still pushing for a better deal.”
Through it all, her motivation has never wavered.
“My motivation is seeing outcomes – schools, roads, support services, people growing and enjoying their lives. I love the community and the things you can achieve for individuals and groups if you try hard enough,” Ms Harris said.
“It is a recognition that inclusion and community means something … I don’t like to hear ‘No it cannot be done’. There are people with needs and it is our job to try and address them.”
