Age is just a number for Camden Haven volunteer Marjorie Cameron, who is set to celebrate her 97th birthday on February 12.
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The 96-year-old retiree has been giving her time to volunteer with Camden Haven Community at 3 in Laurieton for the past five years.
The group helps people who are homeless, lonely or in financial difficulty in the region.
"I first heard about the free public barbecues that Camden Haven Community at 3 was setting up to help homeless and lonely people. I was very interested because it was a wonderful idea for the area and in great need," she said.
"At the time I didn't realise how much need there was. I suppose I didn't realise there were so many people homeless and couch surfing in the Camden Haven. There are people in need who need housing and others who are lonely without much socialisation.
"I decided to become involved and be supportive by helping set up the barbecue, serving and interacting with people. I also began to cook some of goodies and cakes to help.
"Over time that need has extended and there are now many more people coming. It took some time for people to feel comfortable about coming and particularly after the bad floods we had.
"We have people very badly affected after the floods who need emergency accommodation, which we are working towards to provide."
Mrs Cameron has also previously worked with the Anglican Op Shop and Torchbearers for Laurieton as a member of the anglican church.
"I don't think about the age difference between us, I just do what I'm able to do and whatever age they are I know they need my help. People just need someone to believe in them and give them some support," she said.
"There's some wonderful young people who are living in a tough world out there and everyone can help in many different ways to make life easier.
"It's up to us all to think about how other people are going and make a change, it could be as simple as having a chat to a neighbour to see how they are going.
"I think it's up to people in fortunate circumstances to help the less fortunate."
Mrs Cameron originally grew up on property in the Northern Tablelands, which she says instilled a long held tradition of country people helping each other.
After finishing her schooling she pursued further study in Sydney to become a nurse, before the breakout of World War II.
As a nurse she travelled across the country visiting Melbourne, Perth and Tasmania before returning home to Glen Innes. She would later move from there to the NSW central coast and finally on to Laurieton around 22 years ago.
"The Camden Haven is getting busy these days with various developments and building but I hope Laurieton always maintains its caring attitude," she said.
"Volunteering has helped me to learn about the good people in the world, people doing wonderful things. I think the community should celebrate the good stories and not so many bad stories, because they give people hope."
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