Category Award - Arts and Heritage
Helen Mobbs - Recipient of the Arts and Heritage Category Award
Nominated by Old Parliament House
Old Parliament House was Australia's Federal Parliament for sixty-one years from 1927 to 1988. Eighteen years on, Old Parliament House is now a museum complete with Australia's social and political history. A popular tourist attraction, visitors both nationally and internationally roam through the nationally listed heritage building daily.
One out of 140 outstanding Volunteer Guides, Helen Mobbs is committed to her work for Old Parliament House. She stays true to her motto in life where she says "don't think of yourself all day, there is always someone out there who needs a little love and help and perhaps a cuddle".
As a Volunteer Guide at Old Parliament House for over nine years, Helen has supplied a wealth of experience, knowledge and humour to volunteers and management alike. Like her colleagues, Helen plays an integral part in the interpretation of Old Parliament House on a daily basis. They are considered as educational role models, and Helen has demonstrated her commitment to informing visitors the necessities of the significance Old Parliament House has in the history of Australian history. She displays flair in her presentations, while her tours are knowledgeable and interesting, providing a unique experience for visitors to take part in.
Helen has been a volunteer for a wide range of organisations throughout ACT and NSW communities for over fifty years. She has volunteered at Calvary Hospital and the Red Cross in the Oncology Unit at Canberra Hospital for a number of years. She has also taken part in many fundraising activities for charities. Helen's attitude and approach towards her activities are positive and always an inspiration. Helen's contribution and dedication to her work at Old Parliament House in particular is highly regarded among fellow guides and visitors alike.