The dynamic duo – forever Young
Photo by Mike Moores
Lexie and Merrilyn Young of Deloraine are a mother and daughter duo both renown and recognised throughout the Meander Valley for their longstanding commitment to serving their community.
By Hayley Manning
A RECORD was created in Deloraine, possibly even Tasmania, when Lexie Young was awarded an Order of Australia Medal at the 2020 Australia Day Honours List and a Paul Harris Fellowship was accepted by her daughter, Merrilyn Young, in March 2020. The mother and daughter now have the unique distinction of both having an OAM and Paul Harris Fellowship for services to the Deloraine community in addition to being Life Members of the Deloraine Show Society. Rotary Deloraine Secretary, Stephanie Johnston said there are many local family members who have received a Paul Harris Fellow, but they do not have an OAM as well. USA based Rotary International President, Mark Maloney, said it was heartwarming to offer words of congratulations to two individuals on the other side of the globe in Tasmania, during this year’s Rotary theme, Rotary Connects the World. ‘As the President of Rotary International, it is my pleasure to congratulate Lexie Young OAM and her daughter, Merrilyn Young OAM. It is gratifying to note that a mother-daughter team, already recognised by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International as Paul Harris Fellows, are both recognised by Australia for their service to the community.’ Stephanie said Merrilyn was presented with her Paul Harris Fellowship during a ‘This is Your Life’ style ceremony at Deloraine Rotary’s 63rd birthday celebrations on 5 March. ‘We try to make a special night of the award presentations which are mainly achievement based but it is important to note you do not need to be a Rotarian to be nominated for the Paul Harris Fellowship.’ Stephanie worked behind the scenes to arrange videolink ups with Merrilyn’s sister, her nephew in Sydney and other mainland family members. Deloraine Radio identity and Winter Fire instigator Tim Biggs was also awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship on the night. Merrilyn said she was very proud to be recognised. ‘You don’t join these organisations to receive awards – you do it because you love it. Mum and Dad had always been involved in the Show Society, so have mum’s parents and the great grandparents. It is a bit of a family tradition.’
Lexie and Merrilyn have experienced their share of personal illness but they attribute their unflappable energy to carry on down to a ‘positive attitude’ and the support of friends and family. ‘You never get anywhere without your friends. I know, I had six weeks of chemotherapy and never drove once to an appointment because there were always friends to take me, and friends at work delivered meals to my door. It is just amazing how people rally around you. ‘I suppose you can turn around and help them – that’s the way the world turns a bit doesn’t it,’ Merrilyn said. A Life Member of the Deloraine Football Club, Merrilyn took over from Lexie’s long held role as the Deloraine Community Car Secretary. She is also the Secretary of the Tasmanian Craft Fair and still audits the books for Probus and the Red Cross.
‘I have been with the council doing different jobs for 43 years this August. ‘I started with Deloraine Council in the building where Service Tasmania is today, until we amalgamated with Westbury and moved there in 1993. ‘I love work – there is never a day I don’t feel like going to work and I never start the day crabby. But retirement is looming and that’s always a good thing to look forward to!’
