If you’ve ever spent time at the BEST Club, chances are you have met Irene Hewitt. Irene is one of those people who makes you feel like you’ve known her forever. She is the embodiment of warmth and positivity, and she is always ready with a hug and a smile. She’s the sort of person who lights up a room.

Irene grew up in the Latrobe Valley in Victoria before moving to Canberra, where she has lived for 61 years. She was drawn to Canberra by friends, and she says Canberra felt like a little village. Irene met her husband shortly after, at a dance. They fell in love, got married, bought a house and started a family. “It was the dream”, she says, remembering that time fondly. Irene and her husband had three sons together who have gifted her with two beautiful grandchildren. Unfortunately, Irene’s husband passed away far too soon, but she carries his memory with her every day.

After her husband’s passing and her battle with breast cancer, Irene transitioned to retirement. Not one to just sit at home and dwell, she decided to put herself back out there and get involved in the community and specifically CRCS.

Irene had worked at CRCS at the beginning of the organisation (back in 1974 when it was called Belconnen Community Services), looking after children as a family daycare minder. After doing this for 12 years she then worked at the Department of Health for a 26-year long tenure, as a sterilising technician. Today, as a volunteer, she’s back doing what she loves, which is meeting people, making friends and brightening the lives of everyone around her.

You’ll often see Irene at the BEST Club, camera in hand, snapping photos of events and making sure everyone gets a copy. She’s known for her crocheted blankets as well, which she lovingly gives to people, including donating them to women in domestic violence situations and homeless people.

Irene is a hugger and a really great listener. People often feel safe to open up to her with their stories. Volunteering isn’t something that she just does, it’s a part of who she is. “I just love meeting new people”, she says, “you get to hear all these stories, and you make so many friends. It’s wonderful”. After all Irene has been through, she is someone to admire for her resilience and outlook on life.

Irene was nominated for the Volunteer of the Year award just before COVID hit, which brought her immense pride. For her it’s not about any sort of recognition, it’s all about the connections, friends, and joy she gets from being a part of something bigger than herself.

So, if you’re ever at the BEST Club and you see Irene, be sure to say hello! She’s always up for making a new friend.

We are so lucky to have her in our community. Thank you Irene for all that you do!