Celebrating a Lifetime of Service: Honoring Muriel Peters and Betty Jenkins

At Sundale, community is built through connection, compassion and the people who choose to make a difference in the lives of others. 

For decades, volunteers have played an important role in creating the welcoming communities that residents call home. Among them are two remarkable women whose generosity, kindness and dedication have made a lasting impact on countless residents, families and team members. 

At the 2026 Sunshine Coast Volunteer Service Awards, Muriel Peters and Betty Jenkins were honoured with Sundale’s Lifetime Volunteer Service Award in recognition of their extraordinary contribution and the difference they have made through more than 80 years of combined volunteer service. 

Muriel Peters: A Lifetime Intertwined with Sundale’s History 

For Muriel Peters, Sundale has never simply been a place to volunteer. It has been part of her life since the very beginning. 

Born and raised in Nambour, Muriel grew up surrounded by the vision that would one day become Sundale. Her uncle, Jim Grimes, one of Sundale’s founding figures, lived just behind her family home, while fellow founder Tom Carter lived next door. As a young girl, she listened as these passionate community leaders spoke about creating a place where older people could be cared for with dignity, compassion and respect. 

That vision soon became Muriel’s own. 

When the call went out during the 1950s to help bring Sundale to life, Muriel answered. While raising four children, she found time to volunteer at street stalls, bake for fetes and support fundraising efforts wherever she could. She knew that every hour volunteered, every cake baked and every dollar raised was helping build something that would benefit generations to come. 

Watching Nicklin Lodge open its doors was a proud moment, made even more special when one of Muriel’s own school teachers, Miss Eva Mewett, became one of its first residents. 

For Muriel, however, creating Sundale was never just about the buildings. It was about creating a place where people felt connected, valued and at home. 

Over the years, she established monthly hymn singing evenings at the James Grimes Chapel, bringing together junior and senior Methodist church choirs to share music, friendship and encouragement. She also established and faithfully led the Wednesday afternoon Reflections Bible study from 1997, creating a welcoming space where residents found comfort, companionship and a sense of belonging. 

Muriel’s generosity extended far beyond these initiatives. She volunteered in the Sundale canteen, supported Christian services, called bingo, visited residents and simply gave her time wherever it was needed, believing that sometimes the greatest gift you can give is your presence. 

Her passion for building strong communities continued beyond Sundale. As a resident of Rotary Gardens Retirement Village, she served on the committee, including four years as President. Recognising the need for a better clubhouse, Muriel worked alongside Sharon Stahlut to help bring that vision to life, creating another welcoming space where residents could gather, connect and build lasting friendships. 

Despite everything she has achieved, Muriel has never sought recognition. 

Ask her what has motivated a lifetime of service and she’ll simply say: 

“I love people and I love doing things for others.” 

Those few words perfectly capture who Muriel is. The difference she has made can be seen in the communities she helped build, the friendships she encouraged and the many lives she touched through kindness, compassion and genuine care. 

After retiring from active volunteering in December 2025, Muriel leaves behind an extraordinary example of what it means to serve others with humility and heart. 

Betty Jenkins: Four Decades of Quiet Kindness 

For more than 40 years, Betty Jenkins has shown that meaningful change often comes through the simplest acts of kindness. 

Her volunteering journey began with a simple request from her church, asking for volunteers to support Sundale residents. Betty answered that call and, for four decades, continued to do so with humility, compassion and unwavering dedication. 

Now 97 years young, Betty continues doing what she has always done best: showing up for others. 

Although she now calls James Grimes Care Centre home, every Thursday afternoon she facilitates the much-loved Scrabble group. Residents look forward to spending time with her each week, just as she looks forward to seeing them. Even as her eyesight has changed over the years, Betty’s determination has never wavered. Armed with the same magnifying glass she had long before moving into James Grimes, she continues bringing people together through friendship, laughter and conversation. 

Thursday afternoon Scrabble is just one example of Betty’s generosity. Throughout the years, she has quietly supported Friday church services, enjoyed community activities including bingo, Hoy, concerts and special events, swept courtyards, watered gardens, mended residents’ clothing, offered companionship to those who simply needed someone to spend time with and faithfully served on the Friends of Sundale Committee. 

Having lived in Sundale’s independent living community long before it became known as Sunvilla, Betty has witnessed many changes over the years. Through every stage, one thing remained constant: her commitment to ensuring residents always came first. 

Recognition has never been what motivated Betty. 

She has never volunteered for applause or praise. She volunteered because she cared. Because she saw a need. Because helping others has always been part of who she is. 

The difference Betty has made isn’t measured by the tasks she completed, but by the friendships she built, the comfort she offered, and the countless moments of kindness that brightened someone else’s day. 

Her story reminds us that true service isn’t about grand gestures. It’s found in small acts of kindness repeated day after day, year after year. 

The Difference One Person Can Make 

Muriel and Betty remind us that one of the greatest gifts we can give is our time. 

Through decades of kindness, generosity and compassion, they have helped shape Sundale into the welcoming community it is today, inspiring residents, volunteers and team members alike. 

On behalf of everyone at Sundale, thank you, Muriel and Betty. 

Your contribution isn’t measured only in years of service. It’s found in the people you’ve welcomed, the friendships you’ve nurtured and the moments of belonging you’ve created over decades. 

Home isn’t created by buildings alone. It’s created by people who choose to show up for one another, week after week, with kindness, compassion and generosity. Thank you for helping make Sundale a place where people truly feel at home. 

Be Part of Something Meaningful 

Volunteers play an invaluable role in creating welcoming, connected communities where people feel supported, valued and at home. Through their generosity, compassion and willingness to give their time, they enrich everyday life in ways that leave a lasting impact on residents, families and team members alike. 

Every act of service, whether big or small, helps strengthen the sense of belonging that defines Sundale. If you’re interested in making a meaningful difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you. Discover how you can become a Sundale volunteer and help make a positive impact on the lives of older Queenslanders.