Helen Trigg has spent most of her adult life giving back to others.
The Drysdale resident was awarded a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division on January 26 for her service to the community through a wide range of roles.
A former Rotary district governor, Kerang councillor, Australian Navy Cadets member and an Order of St John of John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller, Ms Trigg was surprised by the award.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” she said.
“These things just presented themselves at the right time of my life that I was able to take them up.”
Ms Trigg was president of Ocean Grove Rotary Club in 2005-06 and then District Governor in 2011-12.
“We came back to Geelong because we had elderly ageing parents,” she said.
“A friend invited me to join Rotary. It was at the right time of my life when the invitation came through to make me district governor.
“That was an amazing experience. Rotary is a fantastic service organisation. It’s been a great honour to be able to give back to others.”
Ms Trigg had a career as a funeral director and is still involved as a funeral celebrant.
“I became a funeral director and decided it was too exhausting to work seven days a week,” she said.
“I liken myself to a little duck on the pond. Serene calming influence working on top and legs working hard underneath.”
Ms Trigg is humbled by the award.
“I honestly feel hand on my heart that for every volunteer there is that is recognised, there are hundreds that aren’t and need to be,” she said.
“I’m so grateful for it. You don’t start off doing good for people and the community for rewards, but I am so grateful for it.”
