11/08/2026
A Legacy of Kindness: Faye Orange Named August IDHS Community Champion
For more than 20 years, Faye Orange has quietly made a difference to the lives of people across Inglewood with one simple question: "Can I help you?"
Whether she's packing food hampers, serving meals at the Community Kitchen, sorting donations at the Inglewood Ambulance Auxiliary Op Shop, entertaining the crowd as one of the Karaoke Queens, or supporting Inglewood & Districts Health Service (IDHS) events and programs, Faye has become one of the town's most valued volunteers. As she prepares to move closer to her daughter and begin a new chapter, IDHS is proud to recognise Faye as its *August Community Champion*.
Reflecting on her journey since arriving in Inglewood in 2004, Faye laughs as she recalls the first person she met in town. "I walked into David's Produce Store and asked David what had happened around Inglewood," she said. "Colleen Condliffe happened to be there, and we started chatting." That chance encounter developed into a lifelong friendship. "It was fate," Faye said.
Helping others has always been part of Faye's life. She credits her parents for inspiring her lifelong commitment to volunteering. After both World Wars, Faye's parents supported returned servicemen who were struggling with homelessness, broken families and the challenges of rebuilding their lives. Her mother cooked meals and made blankets, while her father spent time talking with the men and offering companionship. That spirit of compassion continued through Faye's own life. Alongside her many volunteer roles, she has opened her heart and home to more than 100 foster children over the years, providing care, stability and kindness to children when they needed it most. While many people know Faye for her community volunteering, caring for foster children has been one of her greatest and most meaningful contributions. "I've seen people doing it tough since I was a child," Faye said. "To this day, I just like to help if I can. It upsets me if I can't find a way." That same compassion led to the beginnings of Inglewood Foodshare. While serving as Secretary of the local RSL, Faye began delivering food to returned servicemen. "They became emotional because someone was thinking of them," she recalled. Today, Inglewood Foodshare has grown into a thriving volunteer-led service supporting numerous local families every fortnight.
For Faye, volunteering has never been about recognition. "I get joy from giving to others," she said.
One of her favourite community events each year is the Community Christmas Lunch. "We all have a sing-song. It's such a happy day." Another passion is the Inglewood Ambulance Auxiliary Op Shop, where Faye has spent many happy hours volunteering. "We've got the best prices, the best clothes and plenty of nick-knacks," she laughed. "People come from all over Victoria." Established in 1973, the Op Shop was created to raise funds for an ambulance for Inglewood. Today, its team of 10 dedicated volunteers continues that proud tradition, helping fund lifesaving equipment such as defibrillators and supporting local paramedics through university. "It's not just about raising money," Faye said. "The volunteers are friendly, welcoming and always willing to help." Through decades of volunteering, Faye has met countless people, each with their own unique story. Those connections, she says, are among the greatest rewards. When asked what advice she would give someone considering volunteering, her response was heartfelt. "Do it—but do it for the right reasons, in the right way. Join up with someone who's already volunteering, learn from them, and help where there's a need."
Finally, when asked to describe Inglewood in just one word, Faye didn't hesitate. "Helpful." It is a word that perfectly reflects both the town she loves and the woman who has spent more than two decades making it an even better place to live. On behalf of Inglewood & Districts Health Service and the wider community, thank you, Faye, for your generosity, compassion and countless hours of service. Your legacy is one of kindness, connection and community spirit—an inspiration to us all.
By Cindy Gould, Community Engagement Officer, Inglewood & Districts Health Service
Community Neighbourhood House Inc.
