A life dedicated to others …Now it’s our turn to help Mary Dobie

A message of support from Jomari Batista (La Gratitude Home for the Aged)

For more than four decades, Mary Dobie has been a beacon of hope, compassion, and unwavering dedication within the Newcastle community.

Her life’s work has been devoted to protecting, supporting, and uplifting some of society’s most vulnerable women and children, often at great personal sacrifice and with little regard for her own needs.

For over 30 years, Mary has faithfully served as the Manager of the Newcastle Crisis Centre for Women and Children, where she has become a lifeline for countless individuals facing abuse, trauma, homelessness, neglect, and despair.

Day after day, night after night, Mary has answered calls for help, opened doors to those with nowhere else to turn, and fought tirelessly for the rights and dignity of women and children who have suffered unimaginable hardships.

Her commitment has never been limited to office hours. Mary has dedicated herself 24 hours a day, seven days a week, often placing the needs of others before her own.

Through her exceptional leadership, compassionate heart, and unwavering determination, she has changed the lives of thousands of women and children, giving them safety, hope, and the opportunity to rebuild their futures.

Many within our community know Mary not only as a professional advocate but as a trusted friend, mentor, confidante, and source of strength.

For those fortunate enough to know her personally, her kindness, humility, generosity, and genuine love for others have left an indelible mark on their lives.

Having personally known and worked alongside Mary for the past 24 years, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary sacrifices she has made in service to others.

Her passion for justice, her relentless advocacy for vulnerable individuals, and her ability to offer comfort during the darkest moments have earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues, community leaders, and families throughout Newcastle.

Today, however, Mary faces one of the greatest challenges of her life.

Mary has recently been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, a devastating diagnosis that has already progressed to her liver. The road ahead will be difficult and will require urgent specialist medical treatment, ongoing care, and access to healthcare services that exceed what is currently available to her.
Sadly, despite her decades of service to others, Mary does not have medical aid and is in need of financial support to access the private medical care that could significantly improve her treatment options and quality of life.

For years, Mary has stood beside countless families during their most difficult times. She has comforted the broken-hearted, protected the vulnerable, and given hope to those who felt forgotten. She has never hesitated to help others in their time of need.

Now, it is our turn to stand beside her.

We appeal to the Newcastle community, local businesses, organisations, churches, friends, former residents, colleagues, and all those whose lives have been touched by Mary’s kindness to join together in supporting her during this critical time.

Every contribution, regardless of size, will assist in providing access to specialist consultations, diagnostic procedures, treatment, medication, and the private healthcare support she urgently requires.

Mary has spent more than 40 years investing in the lives of others. She has been a voice for the voiceless, a protector of the vulnerable, and a champion of human dignity.

Let us come together and show Mary the same love, compassion, and support that she has selflessly given to our community for so many years.

Together, we can help ensure that she receives the medical care she deserves and remind her that she does not face this journey alone.

Your support, prayers, encouragement, and donations will make a meaningful difference in the life of a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of others.

Thank you for helping us honour Mary Dobie’s legacy of service, compassion, and hope.

Because after a lifetime of caring for others, Mary deserves to be cared for too.

She served day and night for more than 40 years

Message of support from Emelia Lubbe (Pregnancy Crisis Centre)

I have had the privilege of knowing Mary Dobbie for over 30 years.

As a social worker, I had the opportunity to work with her in the community of Newcastle. As a second career she obtain her diploma as Social Auxiliary Worker at a late stage of life and was appointed as the Manager of the Newcastle Crisis Centre.

She became known as a dedicated and caring person who always had been able to provide support and assistance to mainly abused women and children.

In this demanding role she demonstrated compassion, professionalism and commitment to the most vulnerable members of the community by giving hope and assistance.

She served day and night and earned the respect of her colleagues, the community as well as other professionals.

No challenge: financial, emotional or physical prevented her from achieving her goal in ensuring the underprivileged receive priority care, support and protection. She is regarded as a person of good standing, sound moral character and shows concern for others.

Praying for Mary’s recovery

Message of support from Farieda Mia (Child Welfare)

I know Mary for decades, since before she went full time to the Newcastle Crisis Centre.

She was a floor supervisor at Pick n Pay and even at that time she was concerned about the wellbeing of her colleagues.

Our collaboration increased after she took over the running of the Crisis Centre.

She was, and still remains, ever willing to assist us in cases of domestic violence especially in homes where there are minor children.

Anyone that know her can testify to her passion for work, her dedication and compassion shown to survivors that she assists.

Despite her current health challenges, she is still determined to remain active at the Centre, and I appreciate that she will still be available to assist us.

Mary is an invaluable asset to the community and an integral member of the NPO sector in the Newcastle and the Amajuba District.

I treasure my relationship with her and, together with my colleagues at Child Welfare, we are praying for her complete recovery.

A treasured friend

Message of support from best friend, Barbara Schwab

“Mary and I have been friends for many years, but became especially close when she asked me to serve on the Newcastle Crisis Centre committee about 20 years ago.

Every Friday night we enjoy dinner together and treasure our time catching up.

This devastating news has left my heart aching, but I believe Mary’s strong Scottish spirit will carry her through this anxious and difficult time.”

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