Women of Warren Shire - Pauline Serdity
22 February 2022
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After 22 years serving as a Councillor for Warren Shire Council, Pauline Serdity has made a valued contribution to Warren Shire. As a great proponent of the arts, health and Warren Shire Library, Pauline’s dedication to ensure residents have access to social activities and health services has been a driving force, both as her time as Councillor and as an active member of many committees.
A usual morning looks like?
Now that I am retired and also no longer on Council, I usually spend some time working on other committees I am currently on and spending time working in my garden or doing craft.
I’m most proud about?
My family for all their achievements and community for the support they have shown me over the years.
Favourite place in Warren Shire?
The village of Nevertire and the Warren Library.
On the weekend you can find me…
If not with family, then working in my garden, taking cuttings or doing craft, as I will always manage to find something to do.
3 words that sum up living in Warren Shire?
Community, space and friendships.
Pauline’s dedication to the community…
Can you tell us a bit about your journey, some of the highlights of your life?
I was born in Dublin, Ireland and moved to Australia in December 1977. I met and married my husband Lou in 1982 and over the next six years had four children, all who have done well through their schooling at Nevertire and Warren Central School. I became an Australian Citizen in February 1985.
During 1992 we built a house in Nevertire and moved into our home in November. I have always felt accepted into the community of Nevertire.
As a Warren Shire Councillor from 1999 to 2021, with six of those years as Deputy Mayor, looking back, what are some of your most memorable moments over the 22 years?
Myself and another resident both attended the April 1999 monthly Council meeting, with a list of issues (long and short term) that we wished the Council to look into and fix to make the village safe for residents and visitors. Following this, I was asked to stand for Council by the community of Nevertire and so my journey began.
Over the next 22 years I worked very hard to make sure that not only the town of Warren but other areas of the Shire were also looked after. I was happy to be a part of the creation of the 10-year plans that were developed for the town of Warren and the villages of Nevertire and Collie, as it meant that we had a direction that the whole Shire could move forward with.
With grant funding the Warren Shire Council has been very successful in obtaining, this has allowed facilities to be upgraded, constructed or improved over the past six years however there are still many projects in the planning for the future.
As Councillor, you were a great proponent of the Warren Support Services Interagency collaboration and the Warren Shire Library, what are you passionate about supporting?
I am still passionate about making sure that the residents of the Warren Shire have the same opportunities for social activities, health resources etc and the facilities to allow these to happen. I will still be attending Council committees as an interested community member where I can.
You have also held the position of Chairperson of the Warren Public Arts Committee, what do you love about art?
I love that art comes in many forms for example dance, music, plays, pottery, ceramics, painting, sculptures, to name but a few. Not everyone likes the same form, but they should be able to access what they enjoy.
You have a real passion for Warren Shire, what makes you proud to be a part of this community?
I have always felt that I was accepted by the Nevertire community and then once I was elected to Council, I felt that acceptance grow, and people felt comfortable coming to me with issues they wanted to see addressed.
I have always worked in a positive manner no matter what committee I have been a part of. I have always been a “glass half full” person.
What advice would you give to youth in Warren Shire looking to make a positive difference in the community?
Don’t waste your time during your school life, learning is a wonderful gift and never meant to be wasted. Many children in the world would gladly jump in and take advantage of the wonderful opportunities that our schools can offer.
Never be afraid to stand up for what you believe in and always be willing to have a go no matter how hard it may be.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I still believe that I can be a proactive member of the Warren Shire. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the Councillors and staff of Warren Shire Council the best for the coming years and look forward to seeing the improvements continue to happen.
To nominate a Warren Shire woman to be featured in this series, email media@warren.nsw.gov.au