News Archive

Brenton Stacey
Public relations officer
Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia

Sharing her gift of hospitality with students from Avondale College has earned a Cooranbong retiree the title, Southlake Citizen of the Year.

However, Nell Veitch feels embarrassed about receiving a reward "for doing things that please me." "If I've helped anyone, praise the Lord, don't praise Nell," she says.

Nell's interest in the welfare of students began in 1939, the year she became a member of Avondale College Seventh-day Adventist Church. Richard Anderson remembers accepting a meal invitation from her. "She made us feel like we were part of a family," he says. Richard studied at Avondale between 1957 and 1960 and is now assistant librarian.

Students from overseas, many of who arrived at Avondale with only what they could fit in their suitcase, became a focus of Nell's attention. "She'd celebrate our birthday by sending a card and cake," says Lyndelle Lawrence, a final-year Bachelor of Arts student from Malaysia. "She was genuinely concerned about our wellbeing."

Lyndelle, like most other students, calls Nell by her nickname, "Mimi." Many former students, such as Kristin Thiele, still keep in contact. "She's family," says Kristin, who came to study at Avondale from the United States in 2002 and now lives with her husband in Cooranbong. "She probably should be slowing down, but she isn't. She's just amazing; so big hearted."

Southlake Community Services announced Nell as its Citizen of the Year during an afternoon tea at Morisset Multi Purpose Centre on May 12. Previous Citizen of the Year, Peter Gambrill, presented Nell with her award. Dr Vivienne Watts, vice-president (administration and research) at Avondale, spoke about Nell's contribution to the college. "We're grateful for the difference she has made in supporting and caring for our students," said Vivienne. She described Nell as "intensely interested in people," noting how, at 91, she continues to worship with the students at Avondale.

"I've always been fond of young people; they're so exciting," says Nell, who is willing to speak more about her students than the recognition of her relationship with them. "Asking people home for meals is nothing special; I've done it all my life. Besides, I get far more out of it than I give."

Caption: Nell Veitch holds the Southlake Citizen of the Year mdeal, which she received for her care of Avondale College students.
Credit: Ann Stafford