Not one for the limelight, Mrs Locke’s quiet willingness to help has seen her named the Riverina’s adult Volunteer of the Year.

Speaking ahead of the award announcement, Mrs Locke said very few people knew she was nominated.

“I’m a bit pleased, and a bit embarrassed,” she said about the nomination.

“I just do what I like to do.”

Mrs Locke was honoured at the volunteering awards in Wagga on Thursday, but was unable to attend, as she was on a well-deserved holiday.

A former teacher, Mrs Locke works part-time with Australia Post in Albury and volunteers with MAMA every Sunday and Tuesday. 

She first started volunteering with MAMA when the volunteering program began in 2015, initially working on Messy Mornings, before assisting with the Nguram-gang Indigenous children’s program and the visitor experience program.

“I was originally a school teacher so I just enjoy children,” she said.

“I enjoy the contact with people, I live on my own at home so the contact is great, plus I enjoy art and seeing the new exhibitions.”

Mrs Locke said volunteering was a great thing to do not only for the community but for yourself.

“If you’ve got time it’s just wonderful to get out into the community and support the community,” she said.

“I think it’s wonderful, I really do, I know the younger generation don’t have time because they’re so busy earning an income and looking after their families so us older people are filling in spaces.”

Mrs Locke was nominated for the award by staff at MAMA for her willingness to help.

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MAMA acting director Karyn Ford said Mrs Locke was one of the organisation’s most dedicated and reliable volunteers, who balanced work and volunteering.

“Kay loves working with the audience, she loves explaining things about the exhibition to them and takes a real passion in the museum,” Ms Ford said.

“She’s really passionate about helping visitors get the most out of an exhibition.

“Key never disappoints with her attitude, she’s engaging and encouraging.”

Ms Ford said Mrs Locke was able to look at people within the museum and see who might need assistance, or who was not understanding the exhibition, and help accordingly.

“Volunteers are crucial, we could not operate our program and exhibitions without them,” she said.