Three deserving nonegenarians have been acknowledged for their lifelong contributions to the Maitland community.
Gladys Whatson, Jacqueline (Jill) Falls and Noelene Boyce were recently honoured at the annual Jean Arnot Recognition Awards, which pay tribute to the achievements of women over the age of 90.
More than 100 people gathered at the National Council of Women of NSW (NCW NSW) and Business and Professional Women (BPW Australia-Sydney)-hosted ceremony at Strangers Restaurant in NSW Parliament to mark the occasion.
The late Jean Fleming Arnot MBE FLAA was an inspiring individual in both her professional life and in her volunteer work.
A former staff member of the State Library of New South Wales, she retired as head cataloguer in 1968 after a distinguished career spanning 47 years.
She was also active in many organisations and a pioneer in the campaign for equal pay for women.
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison praised the local trio.
“What a delight to attend the Jean Arnot Recognition luncheon to say a tremendous thank you for the decades of service provided to our community by my wonderful guests who are all 90+ years young,” she said.
“Gladys and Jacqueline joined me at the lunch; sadly, Noelene was unable to receive her award on the day.
“But, I look forward to presenting it to her soon.
“These three awards combined recognise more than 200 years of service to the Maitland community and it is only fitting that this is recognised.”
Gladys was acknowledged for her volunteering role at St Vincent de Paul in East Maitland for the past three-and-a-half decades.
And, she continues to volunteer one day a week.
They will not let her retire either, stating “there won’t be as many people coming in if she is not there”.
Gladys also crochets and knits rugs, socks and beanies for the homeless.
She raises money through garage sales for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and is very involved with the Uniting Church of East Maitland where, with a group, she makes pies, jam and pickles which are sold once or twice a year.
Jacqueline was born in Sydney and moved to Maitland in 1953.
She joined the Young Wives Club at St Peter’s Anglican Church in East Maitland, where her cake-decorating skills where utilised at special events and occasions.
In the 1970s, she began painting porcelain brooches and plates donating works to charities, including the Royal Blind Society and Rotary.
In the 1908s, Jacqueline began painting watercolours and quickly developed into a multi award-winning artist.
These three awards combined recognise more than 200 years of service to the Maitland community and it is only fitting that this is recognised.
Jenny Aitchison
She won first prize at the Dungog A&H Art Show in 1983 and, in 2024 at age 92, claimed top honours for watercolours at the Maitland Region Society of Artists.
She’s donated many of her beautiful works to the Macular Foundation, becoming involved with the organisation after she was diagnosed with macular degeneration in the early 2000s.
Jacqueline is a patient advocate for the foundation, presenting on TV, radio, a panel hosted by Ita Buttrose, addressing politicians, including Mark Butler and receiving an invitation to morning tea at Government House to meet Governor General The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO.
Noelene was the first life member of Maitland Netball.
In 1994, she received the Ministerial Sports Appreciation Award and the NSW Ann Clark Medal, too.
Her service to the club as president, secretary and vice -president began at the inaugural meeting of the association in 1947.
Noelene went on to play and umpire for 30 years, represented at state level, was an NSW representative selector, public and Catholic school selector and held a Level 1 Coaching Certificate for seven decades.
In 2003, she receive an Australia Day Certificate and, in 2004, was named Maitland Council Citizen of the Year.
Noelene’s collected the NSW RSL Achievement Award, Julia Gillard National Volunteer Award, the NSW Netball Volunteer Award and Maitland City Council Volunteer of the Year accolades.
She also served breakfasts at local schools for Red Cross, delivered meals for Meals on Wheels and taught ball skills to disabled children at the Hunter Valley Community School for 14 years.
Noelene is an active patron of Maitland RSL Netball, a member of Maitland RSL Women’s Auxiliary and was proudly nominated by Maitland RSL Netball.
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