Beverley Wall

Town hero

2009 VIC Local Hero

Woomelang has a small population of 200 and Bev Wall has committed her energy to maintaining the town’s services. When the local post office was facing closure she not only bought it to ensure that postal services were maintained, but also expanded its role to meet gaps left by the closure of other postal services in the region. Within 24 hours of the local supermarket closing, Bev again expanded the post office to supply groceries. It is now the hub of the town, the focal point where everyone meets. With the pressure of the drought on the community, the local garage was the next to close. But Bev would not see the town without this essential service so she began ordering fuel and organised a roster of volunteers to man a petrol depot that she set up. She also worked to obtain a certificate to become the town’s only Justice of the Peace.

In addition she is a member of several committees, including the Woomelang Bush Nursing Centre, Country Women’s Association, and is Secretary of the Development Association. Bev has kept her town alive. The quality of life for Woomelang’s residents is much improved by her efforts.