‘Living treasure’ lauded for service to the city

Gwen Norman’s long chapter as a City of Albany volunteer is coming to a close.

Ms Norman, 101, has volunteered for the City for more than three decades, preserving and recording local history.

She came to Albany in 1943 as a sergeant with the Australian Women’s Army Service, where she met and married Royal Australian Navy volunteer reservist Gordon Norman.

The couple gathered information from Albany’s earliest newspapers to help create a groundbreaking online index, pioneering digital access to archives for WA regional libraries.

City of Albany local history co-ordinator Sue Lefroy worked alongside Ms Norman for many years and said she would be sad to see her go.

“Gwen is an inspiration to us all. She has been an exceptional mentor to the library and history collection staff and other volunteers over the years,” Ms Lefroy said.

“Her knowledge, energy and generosity will be sorely missed.”

The City presented Ms Norman with a retirement gift and certificate of appreciation yesterday.

City Chief executive Andrew Sharpe described Ms Norman as a living treasure and lauded her for her service to Albany.

“Gwen’s long contribution to Albany will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come, with our history preserved well into the future thanks to her efforts,” Mr Sharpe said.

“She’s proof that age is just a number.”