When Elaine and Robert McKinnon moved to Warrnambool in 1990, Miss Gurry was the first person to welcome them to the street and has been a great friend ever since.

"Melissa is just marvellous," Mrs McKinnon said.

"She's a great neighbour and a very popular lady."

Mrs McKinnon said while her husband received cancer treatment in Melbourne, Miss Gurry eased the pressure by doing odd-jobs around the house.

"She has been a wonderful help to us," Mrs McKinnon said.

"We never had to worry about anything at the house. Melissa collected the mail, watered the plants, took out our bins and spoiled the cat.

"Words can't describe how much what she did for us has helped."

Miss Gurry said over the past 22 years many of her neighbours had become good friends.

"I just like helping out and doing a good job," she said.

"I never want to move out of this street, I love it here."

[FUBullet][PI9017] For every person profiled in The Standard's Good Neighbours series, the Warrnambool City Council will provide a gift pack, including a free family swim at AquaZone, two free tickets to a Warrnambool Entertainment Centre show and a family pass to Flagstaff Hill. Contact Tina Liptai on 5563 1862.