2004-08-23 - 4:33 p.m.

It was like something out of the (Generation) X-Files.

Queensland resident T was attending the 90th birthday of her Great Grandmother Ev when she discovered a co-incidence she had never known about.

Both had been offered journalism scholarships by the same company 88 years apart.

However at the time of receiving her scholarship, “Aunty Ev”, as generations of families had known her, was told in no uncertain terms that the bright lights of the northern city were not a safe place for a young girl from the bush.

From that moment, her destiny was shaped.

Her great-daughter, however, was born into a different era. It was one which encouraged even young girls (and T was 16) to travel afar and to pursue their dreams, even if she was seeking to enter what was then a male-dominated industry.

She set sail to take up her cadetship with RP group at the tender age of 16.

The bright lights of Brisbane were a siren’s song and there were only encouraging words behind her as T’s taillights left North Queensland behind for a 15-year career in the even brighter lights of Sydney.

Aunty Ev arrived for her 90th birthday in a horse and buggy to a gathering of many related clans.

The families heard how she learned early the value of a good education, something she has tries to instil in all of the generations she has advised.

That advice paid off with many university degrees, honours and doctorates adorning the family tree.

Her life in country Jaraja was colourfully described, including the amazing aromas of her corned beef and golden syrup, her generosity of spirit, even in times of war-driven hardship, and her beautiful garden.

“Her generosity was legendary,” said daughter “Young Ev”, now the mother of university-attending triplets.

The family moved to Collinsville when Young Ev was 12 and they eked out a living farming and selling their wares door to door.

“We played and lived happily among 100 or more roses,” Young Ev recalled.

“We would ride the streets ringing the cowbell and selling produce and flowers. It provided a touch of magic to my childhood.”

“Mum was willing to go to any lengths to amuse us.”

Mrs W soon found the time to blend her love of gardening with a new passion for painting.

Many whom she holds dear have a magnificent flower painting lovingly completed by Mrs W. Her artistic abilities have been acknowledged Australia-wide.

“Mine were a set of white roses as this was the theme for my wedding,” said T.

“I will treasure them forever.

“The trick now is trying to get my father to part with his red roses. They’d look great in my living room. But I don’t give myself much of a chance.”

Mrs W moved back to Bowen in 1992.

“I asked mum if she would like to live there,” said her daughter.

“I knew that was where her heart was. And she asked if it would be possible.”

It was.

Mrs W lives there happily today, surrounded by family and adopted family networks and adored by all.

Her grand daughter G was also moved to speak at the ceremony.

“Aunty Ev personified the mateship legend. She believed in a fair go for all,” G said.

“ Aunty Ev is creative, Auntie Ev practises that creativity in her garden, her dress, her writing and her artistic creations.

“She just loved life, valuing intellectual pursuits and intellectual qualities. She was like a sister to my mother B (there are step-relationships involved in this complex family).

“It is a credit to her and her upbringing in the North Queensland outback that she can keep up with all of her extended family at 90.

“Aunty Ev is a celebration of life itself.”

This is a piece I wrote for the local newspaper on my lovely great grandmother. Only names have been ommitted to keep the stalkers at bay.

Hope you enjoy it,

Love T. (aka Mangoes)

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