Elizabeth Karthauser
Quota International of Broken Hill, NSW

Liz Karthauser is an active member of Quota International of Broken Hill and has served on many committees since joining 31 years ago. She has held all board positions, except secretary, including president for three terms and treasurer for two terms.

On Quota's behalf, Liz has sold raffle tickets, helped on Daffodil Day, collected for the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, delivered Easter Eggs to elderly residents of local nursing homes, and baked for many cake stalls and the Cancer Council's "Big Morning Tea." Liz has attended many district conferences for Quota International, serving as a delegate on numerous occasions. She has also held executive positions when Broken Hill hosted the district conference.

Following the visit of a guest speaker from HACC (Home and Community Centre) at a Quota meeting, Liz decided to become involved as a volunteer with this organization's "Neighbour Aid Program." This program involves helping elderly citizens, especially those without any family, by taking them shopping, to doctor visits, and to hospital appointments, and also by paying bills or just visiting them in their own home. She originally asked for one client a fortnight to "test the waters" and was given three per week. Today Liz continues as one of only two of the original volunteers for the Neighbour Aid Program.

Liz has also enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels as a driver and deliverer of meals to elderly citizens of Broken Hill. She has also volunteered her services at a local primary school where she worked one-on-one with children with learning difficulties. This was particularly rewarding both to her and the students.

Liz has lived in Broken Hill since birth and has a supportive husband, two children, and three grandchildren. One of her children has recently returned to Broken Hill with her family to live, so Liz has the added enjoyment of having two of her grandchildren living nearby, and she is also involved with their school activities. Liz has retired from owning her own business for twenty-five years; consequently she has found she now has more time to devote to community service.

Quota International of Broken Hill is pleased to nominate Liz Karthauser as our Volunteer of the Year for 2006.

To return to the 2006 Volunteers of the Year main page, click here.