Josephine Peter started volunteering in 1940 when she was seven years of age and knitted a pair of socks for Australian soldiers fighting in World War II.
She ended up knitting 450 pairs of socks and never stopped volunteering since then.
As Camden’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2020, Ms Peter, will take part in the Macarthur Lions’ street parade along Argyle Street, which kicks off at 10am on Sunday, January 26.
She will also give the Australia Day address, help present the Australia Day Civic Awards and congratulate the 50 new citizens at the Australia Day Awards and Civic Ceremony, which begins at 11.15am.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said she was honoured to announce the life long volunteer asCamden’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2020.
“At 83 years of age Josephine’s volunteer efforts have not diminished and her influence on the Broken Hill community is unmatched.
“Josephine is someone I believe truly embodies what it means to be Australian and I am honoured to welcome her to Camden, to hear her stories and to take a leaf out of her book.”
Camden Council’s annual Australia Day Party will be held on Sunday 26 January, from 9am to 2pm, along John Street in Camden.
It promises to have something for everyone, including:
- An Awesome Aussie eating challenge, open to residents of all ages;
- A thong throwing competition;
- Face painting;
- A cork hat making workshop;
- A koala cupcake decorating station;
- An Australian animal face mask decorating station;
- Jumping castles for children;
- A number of stalls offering artisan crafts and products from across the Camden area, as well as novel Australiana products and food and drink stalls;
- Australian wildlife display and education program;
- Modern sheep shearing and working dog demonstrations; and
- Entertainment and live music, including Sydney’s premier bush band, The Inland Navigators.