The final days of October mark an end to the Victorian Seniors Citizens Festival, and while there were plenty of activities for the region’s seniors to participate in, it was also about celebrating the seniors who contribute so much to the community.
Carol Evans is one of these seniors.
A talented artist, Mrs Evans can often be found at the Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre teaching the Thursday art class.
But her efforts in the centre stretch beyond just teaching, according to MEAC manager Jan Phillips.
“During the floods, she would have made a thousand muffins every day and came in and fed the volunteers, kept us upbeat, and that was for weeks,” Ms Phillips said.
“She encouraged us all to participate in the Shepp Show, and she had nearly 100 entries; without Carol’s influence and encouragement, none of us would have done that.
“She worked tirelessly to get us to exhibit art, craft, home preserves and cooking, but she was also instrumental in setting up two stores at the show where our artists could show and sell their produce, which was fantastic.
“She’s also a volunteer here (at MEAC) and steps in wherever we need her; it could be front reception, helping out in the kitchen, supporting people who need someone to listen to them.”
When asked why she has dedicated her time to volunteering at the MEAC for the past five years, Mrs Evans said it stems from her own journey as both an artist and a person.
Ms Evans had a rough childhood, and transitioning into adult life, she struggled to find confidence within herself.
She’s been creating art for 10 years now and has always had a knack for it, but it wasn’t until she came to MEAC that she found the confidence to show it off.
“I used to doodle as a child, and I used to screw them all up. Then, when I was married, I used to doodle again, and my husband would say keep that, but I’d throw them in the bin because I’d always been told they were terrible growing up,” Mrs Evans said.
“I was told I could have an exhibition here, so I put my name down, and I put it all on the wall, and Jan said, well, would you like to teach?
“I said I can’t teach, I only taught myself, and she said, yes, you can.
“She has been the push behind me and given me the confidence to try everything, do everything and think about what we can do here.”
This kindness has transferred to Mrs Evans herself.
Ms Phillips said Mrs Evans encourages others to explore their talents and take them further.
“Often people will say I haven’t got an artistic bone in my body here, and she can bring out the artist in someone that thinks they’ve got no skills, and that’s what we love about her,” Ms Phillips said.
“The other thing that she does that’s magic is that she recognises skills in others, and she helps them promote it.
“For example, one of the people participating in her Thursday class is a felter, so Carol encouraged her to bring her felting into the group and from that, we’ve had two workshops that were opened up to the public.”
“It’s a pleasure to get up at 76 and say, I’m going to go down to MEAC, that’s just amazing,” Mrs Evans said.
“I have the best students, and they are all extremely talented.
“But it comes back to the management and staff; they’re so good.
“I can’t explain it. I’ve never seen such devotion to a place.”