Elizabeth Joan (Betty) Gurr

Awarded for service to the Community

Born: 1926

Entered on roll: 2005

Betty Gurr was born in Hobart and educated at Princes Street Primary and Ogilvie High School. She married in 1956 and had four children, one son and three daughters. Betty worked for many years as a radiographer in the Royal Hobart and Launceston General Hospitals. She was also the business manager of her husband’s pharmacy.

For more than 40 years, Betty has selflessly given her time and energy to contribute to church and community organisations in Glenorchy. Betty has been an active contributor to the St Paul’s Anglican Church in Glenorchy since the 1960s. She has served almost continuously on the Parish Council, including terms as Treasurer and Synod Representative. In the 1970s, Betty helped the leader of the St Paul’s youth group run a weekly nightclub for up to 250 teenagers. She has been the Manager of the St Paul’s Dining Room at the Royal Hobart Show, a major fundraiser that has supported the church’s community activities, since 1989. As the coordinator of the St Paul’s Refugee Support Group since 1996, she has assisted 29 refugees to settle in Australia.

Betty has been a Lifeline Australia counsellor and trainer for 28 years. In 1963, she was a Foundation Member of Glenorchy Meals on Wheels. Betty’s commitment has extended unbroken over four decades, including terms as President and Treasurer. Another longstanding commitment has been as a Committee Member of the Lady Clarke Centre Inc since 1974.

Betty served as a member of the Anglicare Board of Management from 1985 until 1997. Betty’s dedicated service to her community and parish was recognised when she was named as Glenorchy Citizen of the Year in 1994.