Campaigner overwhelmed by honour

Mother of five and intellectual disability campaigner Victoria de Haas has been awarded one of Australia’s highest honours.

The 84-year-old said it was overwhelming to receive the Medal of the Order of Australia on Thursday.

‘‘I haven’t come down from it yet,’’ Mrs de Haas said.

The Orelia mother has been integral to the services available to people with a disability in the community since joining the Activ Foundation in 1972.

She has lobbied for services for people with an intellectual disability, like her youngest son.

‘‘This is not just acknowledging what I have done but what has been done for people with an intellectual disability,’’ Mrs de Haas said.

Mrs de Haas represented parents of children with an intellectual disability in Canberra in 1997 and asked Federal ministers to increase the financial support for families.

She also received an award from the Pope for her work in helping people with a disability receive Catholic sacraments.

‘‘In the beginning it was hard work,’’ Mrs de Haas said.

Brand MHR Gary Gray said Mrs de Haas had been a tireless worker as a volunteer for a range of organisations, including St Vincent de Paul and several schools.

Mr Gray said volunteers like Mrs de Haas were ‘‘the heartbeat’’ of the community.

Mrs de Hass will receive the medal from WA Governor Malcolm McCusker on May 4.