TUART Hill great-grandfather Michael Gangemi has been helping people for nearly 50 years and does not intend to stop.
The 94-year-old was was one of eight volunteers honoured at Government House this month for more than 45 years of volunteer service.
Mr Gangemi was appointed a justice of the peace (JP) in 1970 while president of the WA Italian Club and continues his JP services today.
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READ NOW“What I enjoy about it is being able to help so many people in Perth,” he said.
“I came here (from Italy) in 1939 without one word of English.
“I’ve seen so many changes for the better.”
He enjoys helping people, especially migrants new to Australia.
“I have a great admiration and very strong feeling for people less fortunate than us,” he said.
“My biggest vision was to help the poor.”
Mr Gangemi continues to welcome people into his home to offer JP services and said he did not want to stop unless he had to; he hoped to reach the milestone of 50 years of service.
“If I can get beyond that I’ll be a very happy man,” he said.
“I’m not going to stop helping people.”
Innaloo resident Margaret (Peg) Eaton was also recognised for her more than 50 years of charity work, including 37 years with the YWCA.
Other volunteers who have volunteered for more than 25 years were commended, including Michael Howieson (Gwelup), Gilbert Porter and Jean Patrick (Karrinyup), Alan Mulgrew (North Beach), Arthur Paikos (Osborne Park), Nicholas Hosking (Stirling), Leslie Norrish and Sidney Roatch (Woodlands), Trevor Arbuckle (Carine) and Peter Lesley Rose (Hamersley).
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