Our Oldies
Learn something new from an Oldie
Just because someone is getting older, doesn’t mean their passions, interests, hobbies and experiences take a back seat. The Oldies in our community have interests ranging from fishing and dancing to board games, fashion design and gardening. They have travelled the world and have many stories to tell. Some of them even speak other languages – a perfect opportunity for you to practice.
June, 86
June, 86, hails from London and spent many years performing on stage as an actress and dancer. When she’s not carving and painting Ostrich eggs or knitting toys for children in foster care, you might find her walking her dog, Coco. June has ridden a Harley motorbike and we have it on good authority that she enjoys riding dodgem cars!
Wally, 91
Wally, 91, has some great stories to tell about exploring and fishing his way around Australia. He’s driven to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, explored all over Fraser Island and loves nothing more than to explore new fishing spots.
Norman, 83
Are you a meat pie aficionado? Norman, 83, has many strings to his bow, including having owned a pie shop for many years. As if that isn’t the most Australian thing ever this adventurer has also driven the whole way around Australia three times. These days Norman loves to travel by train when on holiday and is kept busy with his hydroponic spinach garden.
Geraldene, 78
Geraldene is a legendary motorbike rider. She was a member of the Ulysses Bike Club, a prominent Bike Club on the Sunshine Coast. She has some great stories to tell from her motorbike adventures around Australia, including rides to Sydney, Tasmania, Melbourne and along the Great Ocean Road.
Colin, 81
Colin has done a lot in his 81 years. A true outback mechanic, Colin spent many years living in Julia Creek, in North West Queensland - population 500. He knows his way around a tractor and spent many years fixing the tyres on roadbuilding machinery. Do you love going on a cruise ship? So does Colin! He’s been to all of the ports in Australia.
Carmel, 81
Carmel is a dressmaker by trade, she spent her working years making high end ball gowns to order. Carmel has a fine eye for detail and enjoys the finer things in life, such as donning a gorgeous new dress and to go out on the town.
Ivan, 81
Ivan, 81, is nuts about soccer. He doesn’t have a favourite team but he loves watching matches on TV. Originally from Croatia, Ivan spent 50 years running a barber shop in Tasmania and also helped build the Tasman Bridge.
Joan, 81
Joan is one of Brisbane’s original dancing queens. She has been tapping her toes since a young age and taken this love of dance through her whole life. Teaching dance at the local dance school, she fell in love and married her dancing sweetheart at age 23.
Heinz, 87
At 87, Heinz has many stories to tell. He sailed to Australia on a 42 foot boat and has also sailed all over Australia. When he was 40, Heinz moved to Australia and worked as a mechanic. His first language is German, and he loves a chance to chat in his native tongue.