News worth: Nancy Serg interviewed for and produced a Maltese program for SBS radio for eight years until 2002. Picture: Mike Sea
Nancy Serg has enough certificates of appreciation for her volunteer service to the Maltese community of NSW to wallpaper a room.
The Baulkham Hills resident received an Order of Australia Medal today for her efforts.
‘‘It’s an amazing feeling — I’m still trying to get to grips with it,’’ she said.
Mrs Serg nee Borg started work with the Maltese community in 1965, a year after she migrated to Australia from Malta at age 18.
‘‘We assisted with whatever was needed in the community at the time,’’ she said.
‘‘People who couldn’t read or write ...used to bring letters to us to read and we’d refer them to the appropriate authority — solicitors, government departments or waterboard.
‘‘We all learnt on the job and did everything to the best of our ability.’’
Mrs Serg has since emceed community, theatrical and cultural events in English and Maltese, educated the community on health and available services, and led the Merrylands Maltese Seniors Group and others.
She served on a mental health support group committee at Parramatta’s Diversity Health Institute, and helped to obtain funding for Maltese aged day care services in Baulkham Hills and Blacktown.