Outstanding Service – Glenda Werrett — Bellarine Peninsula TOWN
Glenda is not only an inspiration to Bellarine Peninsula TOWN Club as their Leader and Group Therapy Co ordinator, but to many TOWN Clubs throughout the TOWN Community. Glenda always had a struggle with her weight, so she joined Geelong TOWN Club in 1996. It was during this time she recognised the need for more meaningful Group Therapy/discussions for members of the Club, and so, with her teaching background, she began writing programs for the members within her club.
Glenda moved to Ocean Grove approximately 25 years ago where she joined the Bellarine Peninsula TOWN Club. She once again identified the need for more appropriate Group Therapy and so began her passion for providing sessions that were engaging and relevant for members.
In 1996 she was voted on to the Board of TOWN where she was given the portfolio of Group Therapy, as well as the other general duties required of Board members. Glenda grabbed this opportunity with both hands and provided many hours of Group Therapy/Discussion programs for clubs. At Central Council meetings, she would present Zone leaders with new Group Therapy material for distribution amongst their Clubs. Unfortunately, this was not always forthcoming which frustrated Glenda, as so many Clubs were crying out for help with Group Therapy, so she set about visiting as many clubs as she could introducing them to the importance of Group Therapy and ways in which it could be presented within their own Clubs. She visited Clubs from Ararat to Aspendale, Balranald to Ballarat, Swan Hill to The Springs, Warrnambool to Yarra Mul, and so many more in between. During her time on the Board, she visited over 50 Clubs, giving them her enthusiasm and knowledge about interesting and engaging ways to present Group Therapy.
Glenda has always believed that Group Therapy is the most important part of the weekly meeting and yet she can across so many Clubs doing no Group Therapy at all. She was able to show Clubs how important and necessary Group0 Therapy/Discussions are for the members of their Club, and to keep the interest and motivation going for their members.
As well as visiting many Clubs, Glenda also presented Group Therapy sessions at many workshops. Her sessions were always engaging and appealed to many Club representatives, who were looking for ideas and inspiration for providing Group Therapy in a different and more meaningful way for their members. Glenda presented sessions in Ararat, Ballarat, Swan Hill, dookie, Geelong, Warragul and several in and around Melbourne. The feedback from these sessions was always positive and exciting.
Even since Glenda is no longer a Board member, she has continued inspiring, not only Bellarine Peninsula club members, with her enthusiasm, meaningful and relevant Group Therapy/discussions, but she has continued writing many new Group Therapy topics/programs, which she is always willing to share with other clubs. Glenda has continued to visit many Clubs imparting her knowledge and enthusiasm for Group Therapy. If a Club decided to only use Glenda’s Group Therapy each week, they would have enough material to last them five (5) years, which is an amazing achievement. Many of her writing are available from the TOWN Office for Clubs to avail themselves.
In conclusion, therefore, we, the committee of Bellarine TOWN Club, believe Glenda is an inspirational and worthy candidate for the Hall of Fame because of her passion and willingness to help us, and other Clubs, through her Group Therapy programs. We believe Glenda is, and should be, strongly considered for the Hall of Fame for 2023.
Awards – State Runner Up Weight Loss winner 2017, Queen of Bellarine Peninsula TOWN 2017
Service – State – Board 5 ½ years 2006-2010 (portfolio – Group Therapy), Acting Zone Leader, Zone liaison for several Zones appointed by the Board. Club – Leader, Asst Leader, Group Therapy coordinator, author of many Group Therapies, Zone Representative, Guest Speaker coordinator.
