Dorothy’s joy of singing continues

Following a career in banking, government, airlines and the courts, in retirement Dorothy’s life adventures brought her back to her passion: music.

Dorothy grew up in Port Lincoln, and as a self-proclaimed tomboy she enjoyed childhood freedom but always wondered what else was out there to explore.

“Growing up in a small town was great but it had its limitations and there was so much I wanted to do that was not available there,” she said.

Dorothy’s first job at the Port Lincoln branch of the Commonwealth Bank provided her with a ticket to move to Adelaide where she worked in the bank’s head office on King William Street.

Aged 23, she changed careers working as an air hostess with Ansett for two and a half years. This time of her life was interesting and fun; she saw Australia and was introduced to Ian, her soon-to-be husband.

After marrying Ian, Dorothy wanted a job that kept her in Adelaide.

“I worked as a Parliament House secretary and later as a court reporter in Adelaide, where I wrote shorthand for judges and barristers. After a few relieving jobs I was permanently appointed to the Social Security Appeals Tribunal.

“Being surrounded by such well-educated people made me want to seek further education for myself,” she said.

So, in her 50s, Dorothy decided to study politics at Flinders University part-time.

She continued working until she was 66 years old, on the eve of becoming a grandmother.

After learning to sing at the Elder Conservatorium, being in a band in the 1950s, and playing the ukelele, Dorothy’s musical life was fulfilled when she joined ACH Group’s Sing for Joy Choir.

“ACH Group provides in-home services in my current home, and I came across a flyer promoting a ‘come & try’ for Sing for Joy.

“Everyone in the choir was incredibly welcoming and nice to me. It hadn’t been long since Ian passed away and I was still feeling emotional, but being with them made me feel so good and I also realised the passion for music was still there. It was nice to reconnect to it.”

Dorothy has performed in four Sing for Joy concerts and just like in her band in the 50s, she continues to sing her heart out at every opportunity.

“It’s more about connections than about having a good voice or even knowing how to sing.”