ONE of the region's longest-serving volunteers has been recognised with life membership of the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW.
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Dawn Reading recently notched up 46 years of services with the auxiliary in Tamworth and was deemed more than qualified for one of the organisation's top honours.
Ms Reading first joined the Duri branch of the hospital auxiliary in 1973 after the birth of her fourth child.
She has been there ever since.
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While the Duri branch disbanded and she now works with the Tamworth group, one thing has stayed the same.
"They're just a nice bunch of ladies," she said.
"You don't do these things for the accolades, you do them because you want to do them.
"But it was very nice, all the same."
Ms Reading's significant stint was recognised at a recent UHA conference.
But the Tamworth branch has a substantial wealth when it comes to experience.
On top of Ms Reading's 46 years, the branch is also home to Letty Elks (40 years) and Pat Gulliford (36 years).
There's certainly a streak of dedication which runs through the organisation.
But Ms Reading did note it has become harder for younger people to volunteer in the community.
"The young ones don't seem to come to the party,"she said.
"But they are working later and working weekends.
"Plus they have kids playing sport on weekends."
Despite the challenges the UHA and most volunteer organisations, Ms Reading believed the auxiliary would live on for many years.
Ms Reading has previously held positions within the local organisation, including treasurer and secretary, but she said she'd spent enough time on the executive over the years.
Current Tamworth president Sally Cronberger paid homage to Ms Reading as a very active and supportive member.
"She will always go above and beyond," Ms Cronberger said.
"She will do anything, whether it is sweeping the floor or selling raffle tickets.
"There is no job too small."
Earlier this year, the Tamworth branch celebrated its 80th anniversary. There are 190 hospital auxiliary branches throughout metropolitan and regional NSW.