Mr MATT KEAN ( Hornsby ) ( 22:09 ): Usually when people think of retirement they think of relaxing in the sun somewhere after a lifetime of hard work, but not Hornsby couple Dorothy and Dick Babb. Retired for 18 years and now in their seventies, Dorothy and Dick are busier than they ever were during their working lives. Mr and Mrs Babb were nominated for the Pride of Australia award for their decades of work with the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter. Dorothy was a schoolteacher and Dick was an executive with the Commonwealth Bank. Since their retirement the Babbs' commitment has stretched into all areas of community life in Hornsby, where they have lived for almost 45 years. Their causes include refugees, Parkinson's disease and Aboriginal reconciliation.
When asked how they managed their volunteering life, Dorothy remarked that they were always busy through their working lives, so they were happy to take on things that popped up in front of them. For Dorothy and Dick, volunteering offers more than one might immediately assume. It has enhanced their relationship, building common interests and expanding their circle of friends. Dorothy and Dick said that, more than anything, being selfless and thinking about the needs and wants of others has been critical to giving them a renewed perspective on life. Today I pay tribute to the remarkable contribution made by Dorothy and Dick Babb, who, through their dedication, initiative and courage, have offered so much to build a stronger, healthier community.
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