skip navigation |
large text |
normal text |
tell a friend
Women's Health West
Isobel
ISOBEL
"Stand up for what you believe in. I never used to but I do now."
Isobel is an energetic and independent sixty-nine year old Aboriginal woman. She enjoys a laugh and doesn't take herself too seriously.
Throughout her life she has experienced many difficult situations. She is part of the Stolen Generation, forcibly removed from her parents at a young age; she was lucky to find them again. She also suffered the loss of her own six children in the seventies, a testament to the longevity of this inappropriate welfare policy, so recent in our history. She is a great example of the self-determination of aboriginal women's resilience in the face of incomprehensible trauma. According to Isobel, with age, she is developing more strength. But hearing just a little of her story, you sense she has always had it.
"I come to The Gathering Place every day. I go to the doctor here. I go swimming every Monday. I go to the movies and bingo. I exercise every Friday. I have just started line dancing, all the oldies get together, and they follow me. I am the oldest there. I have just started but I already have a certificate." The Gathering Place is an important meeting place for Isobel. It's where she catches up with friends, has a cup of tea and a chat, and goes out on different excursions. She believes it is really important to be part of a group, a community, whatever your background.
"When my daughter passed away I used to lock myself inside. A friend brought me here and I have been coming here ever since. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't know about this place. I never went nowhere, used to lock myself up. I don't like sitting at home. I feel better in myself now."
She is also learning to read and write. She was very nervous to begin with. "I told my teacher, 'I am too old to learn' and she said, 'No, you are not!'" laughing as she remembers. "But you are never too old to do what you wanna do. If you put your mind to it, you can do it."
She has blood pressure issues and a heart condition. According to her doctor, her health has improved. "I am exercising and eating the right food. I eat lots of salad and fish, no cheese, no dairy. The things I like I can't eat! If my boys are eating ice-cream I go into another room!"
She also actively supports her son, who has cerebral palsy. She shares the care with another son. She recalls a time when they tried to catch a bus together. The driver made some nasty racist remarks to which Isobel stood up. "Right.
I want your name, phone number and bus company and I am going to report you. We reported him and he went to court. He had to apologise to my boy and pay him damages. I haven't seen the bus driver since! It doesn't matter what colour you are, you have to treat everybody the same. I might be old but I am not stupid!"
Isobel looks forward to this year, thinking about all the friendships she could make and all the things she may learn. She also remembers her dad saying, "'Stand up for what you believe in.' I never used to but I do now."