Warrnambool's own Laverne and Shirley

[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #A5CECD;”] S [/dropcap]hirley Handley and Brownyn Greene are two Warrnambool friends who are rarely seen apart when it comes to spreading a little joy in people’s lives.

The pair, who met through their local church, volunteer to visit people who may be sick, lonely or just in need of some company for an afternoon, be they in hospital, in an aged care home, or in their own home.

Their cheerful, smiling personalities are infectious and it is rare day when Shirley, in particular, is not armed with a quick joke or a funny one liner.

Between them, they bring light to the lives of those who are often forgotten, isolated or finding it hard to cope with daily life, including people struggling with addictions, and they never judge, or try to change anyone: they are just there to listen.

Philosopher Alain de Botton, on his recent tour of Australia, talked about how the mainstream news media has an obsession with the wrong sort of celebrities and that ordinary people who do good, simple deeds should instead be celebrated.

So, using Alain’s approach, we celebrate Shirley and Bronwyn as our Quiet Heroes: in our eyes, they are the “Laverne and Shirley” of Warrnambool who bring much-needed good humour and fun to every day lives.

[box] Shirley and Bronwyn will receive a coffee and cake vouchers from Lozzars Lounge Cafe, in Warrnambool. Thankyou Lozzar’s for supporting our quiet heroes.[/box]