Betty Cotter, member of Shoalhaven Regional Council Conference, was honoured with a Society Lifetime Award in October, recognising the thirty years of service she has dedicated to supporting people across the Shoalhaven. 

The Lifetime Award, presented by Wollongong Central Council President, Peter Doris, was gratefully accepted by Betty’s daughter, Therese, and her grandson, Lachlan, on her behalf. 

For almost thirty-five years, Betty, who in 2012 was named International Woman of the Year for the Southern Shoalhaven District, has walked with and witnessed a great many people through volunteering.  

On more than one occasion, Betty responded to the call to serve as Conference President at St Mary Star of the Sea Conference Ulladulla / Milton. During her three terms, she led with grace and purpose, stirring the Vincentian spirit among her peers. 

Her warm and loving presence as a Retail Volunteer at the Ulladulla Shop has long contributed to the shop’s inviting atmosphere, a part of the store’s continued success, say her peers.  

At home, Betty answers to the names of “Mum” to her six children and “Gran” to her twenty-four grandchildren, and thirty great-grandchildren. She has a deep knowledge of the joys of precious family time.  

And so, Betty took up the responsibility of managing some of the Society’s holiday units on the beautiful South Coast. Betty believes that other parents and children, especially those in need, should know the joy of holidaying together. This member project has allowed families to create lasting memories that can often form part of people’s identity. “I pray it is something that our Conference will always be able to offer,” Betty has said.  

Even a small glimpse into the journey that culminates with Betty’s Lifetime Award brings to life the notion that the more one gives from the overflow of their cup, the more one is fulfilled.  

In his presentation address, Peter Doris said that Betty is “a quiet achiever, who means an awful lot to her Vinnies family.” Gratitude for members of the Society finds its full measure in the generosity of their presence.  

Betty’s legacy of kindness continues to inspire and will surely be felt by the families whose lives she has touched in years to come.