Facebook
At Ozcare, we’re privileged to support home care clients like Shirley Mathers, whose compassion and dedication have benefited the Rockhampton community for over five decades.
Since becoming an Ozcare client in 2016, Shirley has received personal care, social support, and domestic assistance. While we support her with daily living needs, Shirley’s life story reminds us that she has spent decades supporting youth in the region and fundraising to help local children achieve their dreams. She has changed countless young lives and continues to inspire those around her.
A legacy of giving back
Together with her late husband Ken, Shirley devoted much of her life to strengthening the Rockhampton community. Her influence reaches far beyond sport, with a lasting impact through volunteer work, fundraising, youth support, and community development.
Shirley was instrumental in developing the Rockhampton PCYC at Stapleton Park, raising significant funds to create a centre that supports families and youth through programs for at-risk children, childcare, and sporting achievement. Her devotion to fundraising also brought the community together through much-loved local events, including Christmas and Easter fairs, charity initiatives, and sporting competitions. Shirley’s work helped ensure that no child missed opportunities due to financial hardship, particularly those selected to represent Queensland or Australia in trampoline. In her tenure, Shirley helped raise more than $500,0000, the equivalent of $3.4 million.
Shirley’s commitment to community service extended beyond her local region. She proudly represented the spirit of Queensland when she was selected as a “Matilda” during the 1982 Commonwealth Games, where she helped care for the young “Joeys”, children who played an important role in welcoming and supporting athletes from across the Commonwealth. Her involvement reflected her natural warmth, organisational skills, and lifelong dedication to supporting young people to thrive.
For over 50 years, Shirley has volunteered in roles ranging from event organiser and committee member to coach, judge, and mentor. She coached trampoline athletes for more than 20 years, managed state and national teams, and helped establish inclusive programs for children of all abilities.
Her influence extended well beyond organised pr ograms. Shirley helped create safe and welcoming environments where young people felt supported, included, and empowered to reach their full potential. Her compassion, generosity, and dedication to community wellbeing have positively influenced hundreds of lives.
Reflecting on her lifelong commitment to helping others, Shirley shares: “If you can help someone follow their dreams or simply make their day a little brighter, then you’ve done something worthwhile. There’s always room for one more, and always something we can do for each other.” Even in her eighties, Shirley continued volunteering, supporting fundraising activities, and mentoring younger generations. Although her mobility is now limited, her passion for helping others remains unchanged.
An inspirational life recognised
Shirley’s exceptional service has been recognised through numerous honours, including the Centenary of Federation Medal, Queensland Police Youth Welfare Association Life Membership, and Gymnastics Queensland (Trampoline) Life Membership. These achievements demonstrate a lifetime devoted to making a meaningful difference.
Shirley was recently honoured as the 2026 Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day Awards, presented by Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams.
Ozcare’s privilege to give back
At Ozcare, we see caring as a partnership. Supporting Shirley is our way of giving back to someone who embodies the values of resilience, generosity, and commitment we admire in our clients.
We are incredibly proud to support Shirley Mathers and honoured to play a small role in her continuing journey.
Her legacy continues to inspire not only the Rockhampton community but also our local team, reminding us why compassionate care matters.