Nyngan grandmother Glad Eldridge has an endless supply of energy and commitment when it comes to supporting her community and the people of remote Australia.

The 81-year-old was named the Senior Volunteer of the Year for the Orana/Far West district last year in recognition of her work with the Nyngan Museum for close to 20 years.

As part of the Centre of Volunteering award, Glad was invited to nominate a charity for a $200 donation. She elected Frontier Services.

A member of Nyngan Uniting Church, Glad is very familiar with the work of Frontier Services and in particular the ministry of the Cobar/Nyngan Patrol Minister Rev Ian Tucker.

Ian’s role as Patrol Minister includes half time ministry to the towns of Cobar and Nyngan, and half time patrol to the region extending from Bourke in the north to Hillston in the south, and from Emmdale in the west to Nevertire in the east.

“I thought it would be nice to use the money to extend the work being done out here – where we live,” Glad said.

“The work the Patrol Ministers do is just wonderful. You do not realise how far away people are until you get out here.”

Glad said the congregation was kept updated with Ian’s work visiting families across the region. He most recently spent time with emergency crews working across flooded north-west NSW in his role as SES chaplain.

Ian said Glad made an enormous contribution to the local community as a volunteer.

“Glad is a gem,” said Ian. “She volunteers for a whole lot of things. If there’s something to be done, she’s there. She’s an absolute ball of enthusiasm.”

Glad helped establish the historical society in Nyngan and the museum. It was part of an effort to help rebuild the town after it was completely flooded in 1990.

The museum, located in the Railway Square, is the same building where Glad worked for 25 years.

She has also volunteered with Little Athletics, Junior and State Netball and is an elder at her Church. Glad has eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.