Scotts Gap Woman Recognised for Tireless Volunteer Work

A dedicated Otautau volunteer who has spent decades serving her community has been recognised with a Community Service Award from Southland District Council and the Wallace Takitimu Community Board.

Shirley McCully, who lives at Scotts Gap, received the award today for her tireless work supporting western Southland residents.

Mayor Rob Scott praised Mrs McCully as one of Southland's "incredible" heroes who work behind the scenes to make their communities better places.

For the past eight years, Mrs McCully has coordinated the health shuttle service that takes people in western Southland to medical appointments across the region. The role keeps her busy - she contacts clients and drivers almost daily to organise pick-up schedules, often stepping in to drive the shuttle herself when no other driver is available.

She's also known as an excellent mentor for new volunteer drivers joining the service.

"I've always believed that if your children are involved in something you need to be involved as well," Mrs McCully said, thanking her husband Grattan and family for their support.

Born in Ohai, Mrs McCully moved to Scotts Gap after marrying husband Grattan in 1974. Despite being a busy farmer's wife raising three children, she has found time for extensive community involvement.

She spent around six years working for civil defence in the area and broke new ground as the first female president of the local hall committee. She also helped with Otautau School camps and supported numerous other community activities.

Her volunteer work has spanned multiple organisations including Girl Guides and Scouts, Lionesses, and the Otautau Sports Complex committee. She has contributed to Cancer Society Daffodil Day and served on various other committees.

In the sports arena, Mrs McCully was an active outdoor bowls player and past president of ladies' bowls. For years she organised the winter bowls competition and served as an official for Central-Western tennis and netball.

Wallace Takitimu Community Board chair Tony Philpott thanked Mrs McCully on behalf of the community, noting "these awards aren't given, they're earned."