My third Golden Age portrait for tonight is the amazing Thelma, who is 89.
Thelma was one of 11 children. She was married at 17, and went on to have 8 of her own - 6 boys and 2 girls. She has 24 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.
Thelma attended Nulkaba school, she remembers the day the war ended. Teachers excitedly told the kids to pack up their belongings, & they walked all the students home to celebrate.
Thelma worked in a milk bar as a teen. then as a machinist making cushions & similar items in Botany.
Thelma Evans is a proud Aboriginal woman of Wonnarua and Yuin descent. Her parents were Stan Evans who they believe was Wonnarua and her mum was Iris Evans was Yuin from Wallaga Lake (they are featured in the couple photo).
Thelma said that when she was growing up, she was told to say she was Maori, instead of Aboriginal, due to the racism that they faced.
Thelma said that she found people treated her differently, once they knew her heritage. Her extended family had previously been affected by the governments awful decision to take Aboriginal children from their homes & family. Referred to as the stolen generation.
Thelma said that racism still exists for her, & other Aboriginal friends.. which I found so heart breaking to hear. We need to do better as a society!!..
Thelma's hobbies are painting, gardening, knitting and sometimes sewing. Her daughter Susan asked for her to wear the wings, as Thelma is known for being a naughty Nan.. & is anything but an angel.. haha
