Advocate for deaf, blind community awarded OAM

OAM: Maureen Davey has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia. Image: DEPARTMENT OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET

MAUREEN Davey has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia this King’s Birthday for service to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Ms Davey is a founding and life member of Ballarat and District Better Hearing Australia, and was its president and a committee member.

She has been a foundation member of the Ballarat Deaf Social Club since 1974, a life member since 1988, and was secretary for 10 years.

With the Ballarat Branch of Vision Australia, formerly the Association for the Blind, Ms Davey was a founding member, she served as chairperson of the regional committee, and was a committee member.

Ms Davey has also been a deaf representative on the council of Ewing House School for Deaf Children, has volunteered with the Vinnies Alfredton Shop for over 30 years, and was a member of Ballarat Red Cross for 10 years.

Her awards include St Vincent de Paul Society Service Awards, a 50 year Service Award with Vision Australia, a 40 year Service Award with the Ballarat and District Better Hearing Australia, a Distinguished Service Award with Ballarat Deaf Social Club, the Tattersall’s Award for Enterprise and Achievement, and the Ballarat Courier/Radio 3BA Community Service Award.