Beverley Kerr named Illawarra Volunteer of the Year

Beverley ‘Bev’ Kerr has a longstanding and unparalleled legacy of philanthropic service to the St Vincent de Paul Society New South Wales.

By day, she is a leader with state-wide responsibilities and by night she is a hands-on community volunteer. Bev is currently Acting State Council President and she also serves as Vice President of the NSW State Council and President of Matthew Talbot Homeless Support Services.

Bev’s efforts were recognised when she received both the Senior 2017 Illawarra Region Volunteer of the Year Award and the overall regional winner’s award. The Corrimal resident accepted her award at the Annual Volunteer of the Year Awards presentation at Wollongong Golf Club held on 8 September 2017. All regional winners are in the running for the overall NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, which will be announced at a gala event in Sydney in December.

‘Bev’s spirit of volunteerism is unmatched, with a commitment to the Society more closely resembling a vocation than a pastime. Bev works tirelessly, often seven days a week in order to do all she can to help those in need,’ the Society of NSW explained when making the nomination.

On accepting the award, Bev told the Illawarra Mercury: ‘The most rewarding aspect is helping people—giving them a hand up, not a handout.’

Bev is a mother of seven, and also has 20 grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren. Before commencing her volunteer role with the Society in 2001, Bev held a long and fruitful career with the Department of Community Services where she focussed her energy toward the benefit of numerous local vulnerable children, individuals and families.