OBITUARY
Dorothy Meadows, 27/6/28 – 29/4/23
Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands founding member, author, teacher
By Linda Meadows
DOROTHY Elizabeth Meadows OAM who recently passed away is being hailed as a community legend, due to her impact in many local areas. Moving to Edithvale in 1954 to take up a teaching position at Mordialloc-Chelsea HS until leaving in December 1958 to have children, she began her community involvement as President of Edithvale Kindergarten. She held this position for seven years, until she returned to MCHS in 1967 until 1978 when she was promoted to Heatherhill HS in Springvale. Prior to changing schools, Dorothy completed a feasibility study on establishing a bike/walking path from Mordialloc Bridge to Edithvale Road, with a pedestrian bridge over Mordialloc Creek from the back of the high school to Chute Street. The need for such a path was due to the number of students being injured on Station Street on their way to and from school.
Dorothy’s community work took a new turn when she became one of the founding members of the Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands. She was secretary of FESWI for more than 17 years and remained a member until her death. Her last project for the Wetlands was completed in 2020, when she wrote the history of the Wetlands – “Glimpses of Edithvale Seaford Wetlands”. She retired from teaching in 1993 and then really became involved in community work. For 17 years, she worked one day a week at the Citizens’ Advice Bureau. Around this time, she also joined the Chelsea & District Historical Society and wrote two books – “Women of Chelsea” then “Men of Chelsea”. She resigned from their committee in 2020 but remained a member. Longbeach Probus Club also beckoned and she was secretary for the next 20 years.
In 2000, she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for services to the environment, education, welfare and law reform. Her interest in the craft of patchwork saw her help establish Quilts of Valour Australia, which had immediate impact in recognising the service given by veterans in Australian Military Forces. Finally, she helped establish another committee – Mordialloc-Chelsea College Alumni Association.
Dorothy had two children – Linda Meadows and Keith Meadows.
Dorothy’s impact locally has been immense and she will be greatly missed.