When Cambrai Village resident Pat Hassett was awarded RAAFA life membership back in July, the infamous words of Theodore Roosevelt were quoted:
"Get action. Do things; be sane; don't fritter away your time; create, act, take a place wherever you are and be someone."
And everyone involved with Pat's honour unanimously agreed that there was no better statement to epitomise her dedication, service and loyalty to Cambrai Village and its residents over the past 14 years.
Pat, who moved into the village back in 2009 with husband Laurie, is well-known for putting 'service before self' while never expecting or asking for praise.
Indeed, her work ethic and sense of community was evident almost immediately on her arrival at the village. Within a matter of months Pat was already serving as secretary on the resident's committee, a position she would hold for 11 years.
She was also the village's representative on the West Australian Retirement Villages Association, a position she took seriously while religiously attending bimonthly meetings to provide comprehensive feedback to the committee, particularly around the upcoming changes to the legislation affecting retirement village operations and residents.
In 2021, Pat was appointed chairperson of the resident's committee and was instrumental in advocating and achieving the major refurbishment of the club rooms. In fact, her list of achievements is a long one - suffice to say that Pat is a 'doer', an unstoppable force who has the ability to get the job done - and done well.
Since being awarded life membership, many members of the village have passed on their congratulations, but how does Pat actually feel about the honour?
"I really did feel quite overwhelmed, honoured and quite stunned," says Pat, who was also appointed to the State Government's Advisory Committee on the development of the freeway to Hester Avenue, and was instrumental in advocating for the safety and welfare of residents during the freeway extension project.
"I've never done things in life for acknowledgement, but I am always willing to speak for people who, for whatever reason, might not be able to speak for themselves.
"When I look at RAAFA and our community here at Cambrai, I feel an overwhelming desire to work for residents, and that is something I'm quite sure will stay with me and be my focus into the future."
A big congratulations to Pat from everyone at Cambrai Village and the wider RAAFA community.