By Laura Michell
For more than 50 years, Nance Ormsby has been a tireless volunteer for the Epping RSL.
The 92-year-old from Thomastown has served as a welfare volunteer, making regular visits to veterans in hospitals and nursing homes, the president of the Rats of Tobruk Ladies Auxiliary, and president of the Epping Legacy War Widows group.
Earlier this month, Mrs Ormsby’s dedication to helping veterans was recognised at the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards where Victorian Governor Linda Dessau presented her with the Veteran Community Award.
Mrs Ormsby said the award was a great honour and a big surprise.
“I don’t [volunteer] for the accolades. I get a lot out of it,” she said.
“I enjoy helping other people and doing things for other people. My health hasn’t been great the past three years but I still go to the RSL every Friday night to run a raffle.”
Mrs Ormsby joined the Epping RSL in 1964, a few years after moving to Thomastown.
She was previously a member of the RSL in Moe, and was part of the Australian Women’s Land Army during World War II, working on dairy farms.
Her service was recognised earlier this year when she was awarded the RSL’s highest honour – the Meritorious Service Medal.
