At our meeting on Monday 27th July, President Jonathan had the pleasure of presenting Shirley Calvert with a Paul Harris Fellowship. This award was made in recognition of the considerable contribution that Shirley has made to our community, through a wide range of roles over the years, especially advocating for community-led projects like the Lake Dunstan Trail and town entrance signage. She continues to do voluntary work on both the Dunstan bike trail and the Kawaru Gorge trail.
As a member of the Cromwell Community Board and a three-term Councillor on the CODC Shirley identified and supported things such as lake and foreshore management, senior housing and maintaining and enhancing the natural environment through native plantings. She has been actively involved in the Cromwell and Districts Community Trust (CDCT), Connect Cromwell and the Food Bank since these were established.
Shirley has worked in the health sector for many years – not just through her own business but also doing Ambulance Patient transfers for Dunstan hospital from 2010 until late last year. She has also been a St John’s volunteer on the Northburn 100, a local endurance race, since it started more than 10 years ago.
Shirley plays a very active role in both the Mokihi Reforestation Trust (she is the current chair of MRT), overseeing plantings at Stuart’s Ferry and the Predator Elimination programme (training locals in the deployment andmanagement of traps).
The time and effort Shirley has given has made a significant difference to the lives of people in Cromwell. Her long involvement reflects her deep commitment to Cromwell’s people, places, and future.
A well-deserved award.
