Orford community icon Beth Bennett was the centre of attention at a farewell afternoon tea at Orford Hall on Saturday.
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The 92-year-old recently relocated to Melbourne to be closer to family but was afforded one last send-off as her community banded together to celebrate 42 years of memories.
Mrs Bennett’s lengthy resume includes invaluable contributions to more than 10 East Coast community organisations including Girl Guides, War Widows Guild, Prosser House Day Respite Centre and the Spring Bay Singers.
She also spent 10 years as a Glamorgan Spring Bay councillor between 1980 and 1990.
Glamorgan Spring Bay community development officer Lona Turvey said Mrs Bennett had “immersed herself in community services” since first arriving four decades ago.
“Beth’s contribution to the Glamorgan Spring Bay area is nothing less than exceptional,” Mrs Turvey said.
“For the past 42 years, Beth has worked tirelessly and selflessly for the community and has done so in a very humble and unassuming way.
“She is loved and respected by the whole community.”
Mrs Bennett was named Spring Bay Citizen of the Year in 1990 and was a Tasmanian finalist for Senior Australian of the Year in 2008.