Recognised for community service: Marie Hurley.
Long-time Blaxland resident Marie Hurley has been named the recipient of a 2012 Anzac Award by the Returned and Services League (RSL) of Australia.
RSL national president Rear Admiral Ken Doolan, AO RAN (Retd), announced on Thursday that Marie was one of five people from across the country to be recognised for giving service “to their fellow Australians and to the community in a positive, selfless and compassionate manner”.
Marie was awarded in recognition of her many years of tireless service to the community through Nepean Hospital, Neighbourhood Watch and St Finbar’s Church.
Marie, who became a Registered Nurse (RN) in 1956, worked at Nepean Hospital as a nurse educator before being instrumental in establishing the hospital archives.
As Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for the Blaxland area for many years, Marie also liaised between the community and police to help keep residents safe and informed on crime issues.
Marie has also had a long-standing association with her church, actively involved in pastoral work for many years and currently acting as pastoral care co-ordinator which involves arranging care and communion for the sick among other roles.
Marie moved to Blaxland in 1962 after marrying butcher Jim Hurley, and the couple and their four children are well respected in the area.
Marie said she had “no idea” she was nominated to receive the award, but was very honoured by it.
“I am very humbled and I am surprised because I had absolutely no idea about it,” she said.
“I do know there are a lot of people that are not acknowledged, and I have no idea who nominated me.
“I am actually blown away by it.”
Rear Admiral Doolan extended his congratulations to award recipients on behalf of the RSL National Executive and members.
“The award recipients exemplify the spirit of Anzac within the community through their dedication and commitment to the benefit of others,” he said.
Marie’s award will be presented in conjunction with the NSW RSL state conference next month.