By DANIELLE GALVIN
THERE would be few people around town who wouldn’t know Aunty Norma Jackson or at least recognise her at the netball courts, footy club or behind the canteen at the market.
As far as Pakenham stalwarts go, Mrs Jackson is as loyal as they come.
On Thursday night, the 89-year-old had one of her daughters by her side as she accepted the Stan Henwood Award for her tireless community work.
She was presented the honour by Cardinia Shire mayor Brett Owen, a personal friend, who was thrilled to see her up on stage.
“I am still delighted – it was wonderful,” Mrs Jackson said.
“I didn’t even know who nominated me at first, but when George Blenkhorn came over to me to give me a hug and said something, the way he answered I realised it was him.”
The life-member of the Pakenham Netball Club first met councillor Blenkhorn and his wife Sue when she and her late husband Norm were living at a unit at the back of the veterinary clinic he owned.
“I couldn’t for the life of me think who it was but it was a surprise, a lovely thing,” she said.
“But, of course, you don’t do it for these awards but it is really nice when you get them.”
Her father, Jim Marshall, was a police officer in Pakenham and she moved to town in 1933.
“Dad and mum were both country born and bred, you just follow what your family has already done,” Mrs Jackson said.
“Especially in a little town, you get involved in whatever is going on.”
At just 14, Mrs Jackson was working on the switchboard at the Pakenham Post Office and she remembers spending her days at the police station where her father was.
It was a different time – she has certainly seen Pakenham change.
“I would run home at 7pm at night and you never had to think about the things you have to now,” she said.
The list of community involvements is long but there’s a few close to her heart – although she’s modest about her loyalty.
“I joined the netball club in 1939, so I’ve had 70 years with the club, 65 years with the football club and 55 years with the ladies auxiliary of the fire brigade,” Mrs Jackson said.
“One of the things I am most proud of is the 50-year award for the CFA.
“Not everybody gets that so it was a bit of a thrill.
“I did a lot of work with the church in the earlier years and one of the best ones was the re-opening of the pool, that was something I was really keen about having kids of my own.
“I was pleased about that.”
Family and friends have been quick to offer their congratulations.
“They said ‘well, you’ve earned it grandma’,” she said.
“I loved every minute of what I was doing, I just loved mixing with people.
“I’m very lucky with my health that I am able to do what I do.”
Being known as Aunty Norma is a bit of a thrill.
When the Pakenham market is on, Mrs Jackson is still behind the canteen serving tea and coffee and no doubt catching up with everyone she knows.
“It finishes up at 1.30pm so it’s not a long day.
“Let’s face it, I’m not getting any younger,” she joked.
Cr Brett Owen said he knew Mrs Jackson mainly through council activities but she was a well-known and loved Pakenham lady.
“What’s so great about her is that she is inspirational and passionate about her community, particularly her role in sport and encouraging young people to be involved in sport,” he said.
“She’s such a lovely lady, that’s why this accolade is so important, it encourages people to be community minded and it’s a reminder of the great people that we do have in the shire.”
