80-year-old wins court volunteer award after seven years
80-year-old Marie Davey wins award for seven years as court volunteer.
Marie Davey is a former teacher now 80 years old. She volunteered two days a week at Ballarat Law Courts for seven years.
She won the inaugural Carmel Benjamin Award for Excellence. Marie Davey did not provide legal advice but helped people feel less anxious about court.
She explained what to expect and showed them inside the courtroom before proceedings started. Davey knew nothing about courts when she started.
But she wanted to work with people after retiring from teaching. The Court Network team leader said Davey's dedication, reliability and non-judgmental approach stood out.
Supporting people through the justice system requires skill and trust. Ballarat has eight volunteers in the Court Network.
- 80 years old
- Volunteer age
- 7 years since 2019
- Years volunteering
- Two days weekly
- Hours per week
- 8 total in the Court Network
- Volunteers in Ballarat
Why it mattersVolunteers like Davey make the justice system less intimidating for ordinary people facing their first court appearance.
AustraliaA Ballarat community member's example shows how older Australians contribute meaningfully to their local justice system and support vulnerable people.
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