Rachael Selmes, St Francis Aged Care resident

“It always a blessing to learn the wisdom from elderly people.” ― Lailah Gifty Akita

Age: 54

Where were you born? Orange and I’ve lived here all my life.

What is the most important lesson that you’ve learnt in life? I’ve always been a friendly person, I get along with everyone, that’s the way to be I think.

What makes you happy? My boyfriend.

What’s the weirdest trend that you remember growing up? The haircuts I have to say! I used to get a perm and that was the norm back then, I still get my perms, I stuck with the trend. *laughs*

What was your first job? I worked at the Orange Vet Hospital doing stable work. I absolutely loved horses so I loved that job.
What did you get up to when you were young? I used to Show ride, my three brothers were into motorbikes. My Grandfather bought me my first pony so I was completely different. I fell in love with them instantly.

How did you go at school? I loved school, my favourite subject was cooking. I cooked at home when Mum was at work, I’d cook for my three brothers and my Dad. I think I enjoyed cooking Chinese the most, the boys loved their fried rice in our family. *laughs*

What is your favourite memory? Being my Aunty’s flower girl. I was only about five years old, I wore a beautiful aqua dress. I walked down the aisle in the church and I yelled out to Mum (I was wearing lace stockings) ‘Mum look at my stockings!’ she cracked up laughing.

How has Covid-19 affected your life? Like everyone else I haven’t been able to see my friends, I’ve been very lucky that my Mum is also here so I get to see her and spend time with her every day. We sit in the lounge room and play games together and have a chat.

What are you most proud of? Myself when I get into my own place. I’ve been in here for three years and I’ve been doing rehab every day, I’m running on it now so I’m getting closer.

What do you get up to now? I love Scrapbooking, bead making, ceramics, bingo, word games and knitting, I’ve got an ongoing scarf that’s about a metre long so far. *laughs* I said to Mum this morning, I think I’m going to stop now, she said bring the bloody thing up and I’ll cast it off,*laughs* Mum was the one who taught me to Knit, I was primary school age, all of us learnt. If I made a mistake Mum would always pull it apart and fix it for me.

What will be the first thing you do when restrictions are lifted? I will be going Tenpin Bowling for sure.