STOVES AM PSM JP, Doreen

Across her working life, Doreen worked tirelessly to adapt service provision in response to community need. During her 25 years at DHS, she became a strong and formidable advocate for better funding and services and was a practical visionary. Her work to develop a range of social and recreational activities for socially isolated and marginalised people was pioneering and unique in Victoria during that time. It was a forerunner for formalised support services that were to be funded by the Victorian Government. In 1994, Doreen was awarded a Public Service Medal for the pivotal and unique contribution she made to the redevelopment of Allambie and her service to DHS. John Leatherland PSM said “I do not know of anyone who has made a greater impact on and contribution to children and young people... she always led by example, I have not met a leader in my career with greater resilience and emotional literacy”. Over her 19 years as CEO of Doncare, she made an enormous tangible contribution, working passionately to implement a diverse range of innovative programs to support the disadvantaged members of the community. Most notably, the iMatter initiative in the prevention space, as well as a mentoring program to support women in recovery from domestic violence. “Doreen is at her best when faced with any human predicament, bringing all these talents to bear so that those involved feel protected, assisted, confident and hopeful, as well as heard and understood" said Carmel O'Brien AOM. Thanks to Doreen’s leadership, Doncare remains a powerful mechanism for promoting social inclusion through volunteerism. She leaves an incredible legacy behind her and the unique phrase “volunteers are the lifeblood of the organisation”– a sentiment we all share. Doreen was an avid networker and a persuasive campaigner, highly regarded in the Eastern region for developing partnerships and reference groups. In 2013, she was awarded an AM for her outstanding achievements and significant contribution and service to the community. In 2016 she received the prestigious Rotary International award for “excellence in humanitarian service”, an award given to non-Rotarians who live the Rotary ideals of “service above self”. Doreen’s drive, passion, and tireless commitment to providing equity to the most vulnerable in our community have been an undeniable inspiration to everyone. We extend our sincere condolences to her family and to the broader community. Rest in peace.