Most involve putting others first, but last week it was the Wollongong woman’s turn to be recognised. 

Alice, a member of the mothers’ union (MU) at St Mark’s West Wollongong for more than 60 years, was honoured with a community service award during the Jean Arnot Luncheon at NSW Parliament House on Friday.

“It was such a surprise. I didn't realise there was going to be such a large number of people there,” Alice said.

The mother of two, grandmother of five and great grandmother to one has knitted and crocheted items for baby baskets.

The baskets were delivered during her regular hospital visits. 

“It’s a pleasure to go to the hospital and visit the newborn babies, with a small gift and a little bit of encouragement for the new mother,” she said. 

 “I haven't done it for several years now, but that’s what I used to do and there’s still ladies doing it.”

Janette Thomas, the president of the St Mark’s West Wollongong MU, nominated Alice for the award.

“Alice is a constant source of joy and encouragement to all who know her,” Mrs Thomas said.

“She is a gentle, unassuming woman who gives her all for the sake of the gospel and fully embraces the two great commandments of loving God and her neighbours.”

As a parishioner of St Mark’s, Alice cleaned the church on a regular basis and was part of a team that provided morning tea for residents at the Diment Towers aged care facility.

Mrs Thomas said Alice drove to all activities until she was 90 and continues to maintain her home and garden.