Millicent Hibbard dedicated decades to volunteering for the Royal District Nursing Society (RDNS now known Silverchain) in Gawler, South Australia. She received the organisation’s highest branch honour, the Meritorious Award for Outstanding Service, in 1977 at age 89.
Millicent Agnes Hibbard (née Telfer) was born in Port Lincoln, South Australia, on 11 October 1887. She grew up on a station, married in 1922, and moved to Gawler.
In 1923, encouraged by her friend Mrs Hamilton, Millicent joined the Gawler branch to meet people. Within a year, she was actively fundraising, including the annual door-knocking appeal.
Millicent experienced the financial struggles of the branch during the Great Depression, including challenging fundraising efforts such as organising film nights that barely broke even.
Millicent served twice as Gawler Branch Secretary. First appointed in 1934, she held the position for eight years before leaving in 1941 to do war work at a factory in Dudley Park, making supplies for the war effort until shortly after 1945.
After the war, she worked as a machinist at a Myer factory for seven years and later did housekeeping for a neighbour, while continuing her support for the Gawler Branch.
In 1958, Millicent began a second term as Secretary. She remained in the role for 13 years, retiring in 1971, having served as Secretary for a total of 21 years.
Even after retiring, Millicent remained active in the branch, collecting money and helping socially. In her late 80s, she still drove her 1928 Chevy to collect donations, telling a newspaper in 1977 that her favourite pastime was talking to the people she visited for the annual RDNS collection.
“I park my car in a handy spot, then walk up and down about four streets in Gawler East,” Millicent said. “I’ve made some beautiful friends since I’ve been collecting.”
She also used her car to deliver meals, becoming a familiar face in the community.
At the 1977 RDNS Gawler Branch annual meeting, Millicent received the Meritorious Award for Outstanding Service, recognised unanimously for her dedication.
She remained an active member into her 90s, still attending meetings and collecting donations 58 years after joining.
In 2026, we are proud to continue this important work, supported by community donations we receive through Silverchain Foundation to support our care teams and the health and wellbeing of our clients.
