“Absolutely stunned”.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
There were the only words Orange’s Ruth O’Malley had to describe her Monday morning when television cameras knocked on her door.
Mrs O’Malley, who turns 86 later this month, was the winner of Channel Nine’s Today show’s Knock of Cash.
The segment offers up $10,000 to people nominated by their family.
Mrs O’Malley was nominated by one of her nine children, Margaret O’Neill, she told her mum only to be ready at 8am on Monday.
“That’s all she told me, she said it was an early mother’s day surprise,” Mrs O’Malley said.
“I’m not sure what inspired her, but she really surprised me. It was a wonderful day for me.
“She’s set the bar for the rest of the family, but I said after this I wouldn’t expect anything more, it such a lovely surprise to see them all.”
With 23 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Mrs O’Malley said it was tough to bring the entire family together.
She said most of her family were in Sydney and the last time all of the family got together was for her 80th birthday.
For many in the Orange community Mrs O’Malley is a familiar face.
She started volunteering for St Vincent de Paul when they were based in Anson Street and has continued “on and off” for the last 25 years.
“Anything I can do with my church and I’m involved with that,” Mrs O’Malley said.
Mrs O’Malley has been delivering meals for Meals on Wheels for the last two years and has spent time with the Wangarang board and the Orange RSPCA branch.
She’s also spent time volunteering at Anson Cottage, a support group for residents diagnosed with cancer, after completing palliative care training.
She started volunteering after her husband died and her youngest child finished school.
“You choose something that appeals to you and put some work in. But I’m not one to seek the limelight.”
As for the $10,000?
“I have no plans to jump on a plane, but it’s nice to think I’ve got the money to do something that I’d love to do,” Mrs O’Malley said.
She said she hadn’t had much time to think about the money as the surprise was still sinking in.
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
