Anyone who has visited the Margaret River Community Centre or enjoyed a Soupie meal will recognise their faces - between them Lyn Moorfoot and Dave Seegar have contributed 50 years of service at the Centre.
"Lyn and Dave are Margaret River's quiet achievers, doing what they do in our community with much care and compassion, consistently and over so many years," said Sally Hays, Chairperson of Margaret River Community Centre Inc.
The Administration Officer since 1995, Lyn has worked with seven coordinators and many committee members. For years she has been responsible for many of the day-to-day Community Centre's services, from managing room bookings to providing individual supports.
Lyn and Dave are Margaret River's quiet achievers, doing what they do in our community with much care and compassion, consistently and over so many years.
- Sally Hays
Lyn's kindness and respect for others may best be captured by the extraordinary effort she made year after year coordinating the Christmas Hamper program. In the last ten years over 1000 hampers were distributed, making a real difference to individuals and families who are less fortunate than most or who have faced unexpected challenges.
With her three children born at the original Margaret River Hospital, Lyn also has strong personal ties to the Old Hospital Heritage Precinct. Lyn is a long-term member of the Riversong Choir and Amnesty Margaret River, and taught English as a second language at the Centre. She loves interacting with people from all cultures - the work noticeboard has often been been filled with postcards from her intrepid global travels.
"Lyn started work here in November 25 years ago and throughout her time has been an integral part of the Centre," said Centre Manager Lydell Huntly. "Her contribution has long been appreciated by staff, the committee, tenants and community members alike."
The same year Lyn arrived at the office, a local musician was motivated to do something to help the large number of youths who were living rough in the region. A youth drop-in centre was under development at the Community Centre and on Saturday 29 July, Dave Seegar opened the first night of what would become a local institution, the Soup Kitchen.
Soup and donated bread was served on Saturday nights for a trial period. Over the years the demand for low cost, nourishing meals remained and the menu expanded to curries, rice and salads, with service two evenings each week throughout the year.
Dave has inspired many volunteers and has attracted support from all manner of local businesses. Passionate about animal rights, Dave established Soupie with a vegan menu and promoted the plight of the sun bears in east Asia.
"He has a huge heart, instigating family reunions and connecting people to housing solutions."
The Soupie has won numerous awards and Dave was acknowledged with a Paul Harris Fellowship award from Margaret River Rotary.
"Like Lyn, Dave has shown a long-term dedication to supporting people from all walks of life in Margaret River," said Mrs Huntly.
"We extend enormous gratitude for their combined 50 years of compassionate service."
