By KATH GANNAWAY
FORMER Yarra Ranges Citizen of the Year, Irene Munsey, has been commemorated in a book released on 7 February at Millgrove.
More than 100 people attended the launch by Yarra Ranges Council’s Cr Jim Child of ‘Living a Life of Love in and for the World’, a brief biography of the life of the late Irene Munsey.
Miss Munsey, who passed away 10 years ago, was a member of the Mariana Community and a much-loved and respected Maternal and Child Health Nurse in the Upper Yarra area for many years.
In the introduction to the book, author Anne Rennie said that in honouring her well-lived life … “we are reminded of the honest, decent and upright women who look beyond themselves and give unstintingly to others”.
Representing local families, Maria Mithen said Irene started playgroups, connected people and supported the new mums in an encouraging, down to earth, motherly way.
Cr Child spoke at the launch of the contribution that Miss Munsey made in the Upper Yarra area.
He said people of his generation, who were having children and raising their families in the area during her time as maternal health nurse, had an absolute relationship with Miss Munsey.
“She was the most caring and thoughtful person, absolutely dedicated to her profession,” he said.
She was named Yarra Ranges’ Citizen of the Year in 2004, and received a posthumous Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.
Launch organiser, Kath Curtain, said the event was a wonderful tribute with family members, colleagues and community members attending.
“There were so many lovely stories floating around including grateful mothers who had their fractious babies settled by Irene,” she said.
More than 200 books were handed out on the day and copies made available to historical societies and libraries.
Any inquiries for the book can be directed to curtain@tpg.com.au.
