Dorothy Receives Logan Citizen of the Year Award
Bolton Clarke At Home Support client Dorothy Murphy the founder of Palliative Aids for Logan Services has been named Logan’s Citizen of the Year 2019 for her dedication to volunteer work in community services.
The Mount Warren Park resident received the accolade during an Australia Day Ceremony at the Logan Entertainment Centre on 26 January where Dorothy was humbled to think of the lasting impact she has made on her community.
“I started PALS because I saw a need in the area to provide support and equipment for palliative care patients. Support can come in many forms, often it can be financial or emotional,” Dorothy said.
“We take calls in the middle of the night, go and visit families, pick up scripts – for most people we never actually meet the person in question it’s more about supporting the people around them cope during such a difficult time.”
Dorothy set up PALS in 2002 following the death of her husband, she volunteers at Logan and Beaudesert hospitals and offers her help to Beenleigh Chaplaincy and the Wongaburra Garden Settlement Nursing Home.
“We have really transformed the room in Beaudesert hospital, it’s a much more warm and welcoming space. The nurses really appreciate the effort we put in.”
At the awards ceremony Acting Mayor of Logan Cherie Daley Dorothy deserved recognition for her tireless work in the community.
“With 15 amazing nominees it wasn’t easy to decide a winner but Dorothy’s years of service to the Logan community have made a major difference to many people’s lives,” Cr Dalley said.
“Whether it’s giving palliative care patients and their families the support they need or standing up for our veterans, Dorothy is someone who does so much but expects so little.”
Dorothy has also lobbied the federal government to ensure members of the British Commonwealth Occupancy Force received gold cards and is looking forward to ANZAC Day where a plaque is to be unveiled at Jimboomba honouring her husband’s service.
Dorothy receives support from Bolton Clarke in her home and has a wonderful relationship with Chris and Rochelle who enjoy visiting her.
