Her father Mick Higgins was a volunteer with the St Vincent de Paul Conference - the arm of the long-running charity which deals directly with community members who need assistance.
His involvement came through the family’s connection with St Michael’s Catholic Church.
So it seemed only natural that Daphne would later volunteer for the same charity.
And she’s now been at it for about 40 years.
Alongside her every step of the way has been her husband Ken Greaves, who has personally clocked up more than 60 years of volunteerism with Vinnies.
It is this dedication to helping the members of their community that saw Daphne recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Established by Rotary International, it is for those who have made a significant contribution to Rotary and their communities.
The presentation was made at Monday night’s Rotary Club of Deniliquin changeover dinner by outgoing president George Maddison, who nominated Daphne for the honour.
“I made the nomination, and the Rotary board saw fit to approve it,” George said.
“Daphne has lived an exemplary life of service.
“Rotary’s motto is ‘Service above self’ and Daphne is the absolute embodiment of that.
“She and her husband Ken have both dedicated their entire lives to helping others.”
Admitting to being quite shocked at the surprise recognition, Daphne also said “I never expected anything like this”.
“I was really stunned, but I guess what we are doing here is worth a lot in their (Rotary’s) eyes,” she said.
“When they started the presentation by reading all the things the person had done, I thought ‘this person has done a lot’. And then I heard my name.
“I didn’t know what to say.”
Daphne said her role at the St Michael’s Conference is just being there for others.
“It’s time given to assist, to help and to listen to people and not be judgemental. Sometimes just listening can halve the person’s problems.
“You learn more than you give, and it can be a very rewarding place to work.
“Nothing gives you more pleasure than helping someone, and the next time you see them they have a job.
“We have so many people in our community who don’t have any extended family who just need that support.
“Over the years some people have asked how I could help some of the people I do, particularly those who have issues with drugs, but they are all someone’s son or daughter.
“They still deserve to be listened to and to receive help.”
The citation for Daphne’s award also noted the 16 years she spent assisting Ken at the men’s shelter which used to service the Deni and district community - a 10 bed facility that was located in Hardinge St.
“The men could stay for up to two weeks at a time, and I think we would have helped at least 1800 men during our time there,” Daphne said.
The Greaves’ humanitarian efforts in Papua New Guinea in the early 1960s was also noted.
Arranged through a Catholic organisation, Ken taught English at schools and the pair provided pastoral care and became members of the community for three years. They returned to Deniliquin in 1966.
Daphne said remaining involved with Vinnies for such a long period of time was easy given the work she is doing, and the support she receives in return.
“Once our four children were older, I could give more of my time to Vinnies,” she said.
“It has become such a great support system to us through our ups and downs too.
“You become a part of the Vinnies family.”
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