Community Life

Interview with Betty Wilderman
Betty Wilderman has given generously of her time as a member of the Positive
Aging Reference Group (previously known as the Older Persons Reference
Group) since its inception. In 2012 Betty will complete her final term of
membership, and over the years she has made a significant contribution to
many of the activities that have resulted in positive outcomes for the group.
Experience gained in Betty’s professional life, including a period as
co-manager of a welfare agency in Springvale, has made Betty a valuable
member of PARG. “My work in Springvale has led on to another project –
the development of a monument to the Springvale Migrant Hostel.
We mounted an exhibition at the Immigration Museum and then it was
decided that we needed a permanent monument for the over 30,000
people who came through the Hostel. We now have a website
( http://enterprisehostel.org ) and are working on erecting a permanent
memorial, a rose garden, at Lexington Gardens.”
Betty is also a member of Southern Health Consumer Advisory Committee:
“We meet with the CEO, medical staff and members of the Board.
At the moment we are looking at how frail elderly are treated at emergency
departments, as they have different issues to other patients, because they
may also have underlying problems.”
The past year has been a difficult one for Betty, who was diagnosed with
bowel cancer and underwent chemotherapy. She is recovering well, however,
and life is as busy as ever, what with her community involvements, and
ownership of a very active Jack Russell!
Betty agreed that over the years PARG, with the support of Council, has
become increasingly proactive and effective in providing a link between
Council and the increasing number of over-55s in the Monash community.
Following the end of her term of active membership,
if she wishes, Betty will still be able to participate in
PARG-related events as an honorary member.
By Maureen Kutner (PARG Media Sub Group)
2012
PALS NEWSLETTER SEPT–DEC 2012 5