Job helps warden through tough times

Dorene Verdenius is a dedicated traffic warden under the WA Police.

At 74, Ms Verdenius has been working at the same children’s crossing for 15 years, a crossing that her late husband also worked at.

Ms Verdenius' husband started as a traffic warden in 1996, three years later he suffered heart problems and had to retire.

It was then she decided to become a warden herself to help pay for medical bills and to be active in the community.

"I love to get out in the community, meeting new people — it keeps me social," she said.

"I'm continually learning, enjoying life and living life to the fullest."

In September 2001, Ms Verdenius' husband Joe died from heart failure.

"His death occupied all my thoughts, but I found working in the community helped me deal with my grief, because I preoccupied myself," she said.

"My job gave me something to do with my life."

Ms Verdenius is one of the oldest and longest-serving wardens in Geraldton.

She said she'd continue to do it until her health wouldn't allow it.

"It's a good job to go into as you get older," she said.

"You must be able to listen, be willing to learn and have patience to work with people in the community.

"Working for the police is an honour, they do such good work in the community and I feel like they are under appreciated.

"I think doing this job will help keep me young — I'm meeting new people and learning new things every day."