PORT Macquarie's answer to Mother Teresa celebrated her 80th birthday on the weekend, taking a break from the St Agnes Soup Kitchen to kick her heels up with 30 other volunteers and close friends.
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For more than 16 years, Sister Marjorie McLochlan has religiously opened the doors - and her heart - to the 200-plus people who pass through the soup kitchen's doors every Monday.
The spritely 80-year-old shows no signs of slowing down, and is as dedicated as ever to providing somewhere for people to enjoy a nutritious three-course meal and safe place to sleep and shower.
Over the past eight decades, Sister Marjorie has worked with the disabled, taught at schools in the Maitland diocese, ran a profitable op shop and spent several years working in Papua New Guinea.
The one constant is her passion for helping others.
"Starting the soup kitchen (in the Catholic Mens Club in Horton Street) is one of the most rewarding things I've done," she said.
"Back then, I wanted to start something that gave people a chance to have a proper meal, a sleep and a shower.
"I saw the need for men in particular, as there were refuges for women.
"Everyone is welcome, regardless of their situation and knowing people leave with a full stomach is the best reward.
"Often people just need some company or to sit down and have a chat."
The much-loved Sister is clearly adored by her family of volunteers, not only because she founded the soup kitchen, but because of her warm, selfless nature.
As customers trickle through the soup kitchen's doors, she welcomes them with a big smile, open arms and friendly banter.
While she has literally served thousands of kilograms of spaghetti bolognese, baked dinners and ice cream and jelly, she's in her element behind the servery.
and says she looks forward to doing it for many years to come.
