International Women’s Day: Brunswick Junction’s Judy Talbot a community stalwart after decades of service

If there is something happening in the Brunswick Junction community, there is a good chance Judy Talbot has something to do with it. The unofficial queen of the cream of the South West has devoted a big part of her life to giving back to the community she grew up in, becoming an integral part of life in the small town. When asked why she got into volunteering, Mrs Talbot’s answer was simple. “My mother and father were both volunteers, very community minded and I followed suit,” she said. After getting involved with Junior Farmers at age 16, she has not looked back. Her list of volunteer work is substantial, led by nearly six decades in the Brunswick Junction Red Cross. She has held every leadership position within the organisation, serving as president for the past 30 years. Mrs Talbot said she wanted to help out those less fortunate than herself. “When I was a volunteer with the Yarloop bushfires, I think that really brought it home to me because I knew so many people that were affected,” she said. “We were there to try and console them, but it really took a toll I think on us.” She has spent 50 years with the Brunswick Agricultural Society, serving as a head steward for the South West’s biggest show. Mrs Talbot said she was always helping out with the organisation’s busy bees when she could. “Seeing the Tom Pearson Pavillion full of craft flowers and everything else that is in there, I get very proud on show day,” she said. Some of Ms Talbot’s other long-standing community work includes helping organise Brunswick Junction’s Anzac Day ceremony, serving as secretary of the Roelands-Olive Hill Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, and service within the Koombana Bay Sailing Club, where she became the second female Commodore in Australia in 2000. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, recently being made a life member of the Harvey Senior Citizens Centre. Mrs Talbot said it was great that women were being acknowledged for their contributions. “I think today that women are being recognised more and more,” she said. “Hopefully the ones in official positions are going to get the same pay as men. I’ve always thought that was a bit unfair if they’re doing the same job.”