Coasties’ stories of the things that ‘made them’

Six Central Coast residents are among 100 NSW seniors who have shared stories that ‘made them’ in the milestone 10th edition of Seniors’ Stories – marking 1,000 short stories published since 2013.

This year’s theme, What Made Me, has produced stories of hardship, resilience, life-changing moments and generational life lessons in the 260-page book.

Several short story writing workshops were delivered by The Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW) to provide participants with writing tips, guidance and inspiration to share their story.

The NSW Government introduced the Senior’s Stories competition in 2013 as a way of recognising and valuing the experiences of NSW seniors, as well as showcasing their talent.

The competition is open to all Seniors Card and Senior Savers Card holders and offers the opportunity to showcase different cultures, backgrounds, languages and histories told through real, lived experiences.

Catherine Plink of The Entrance was “chuffed” to have her story accepted.

“I am part of the organisational team for FAW, who runs the competition, so although I have done all the workshops I don’t often enter a story,” she said.

“I did have one published in the fourth edition, but I was waiting for a theme that sang to me.

“This year’s theme really struck a chord with me – it was something I knew I could work with and sink my teeth into.”

Plink’s story Why am I so Different? tells of being placed into a children’s home for five-and-a-half years after her parents separated when she was three and her mother fell ill.

Experiences in the home and in early adulthood reinforced her feeling that she was somehow “different” before she found a happy marriage and a writing community where she felt at home.

“Life hasn’t been easy; it was pretty tough going – nobody who was in care in the 1950s had a good time,” she said.

“But I have had good times and have a wonderful husband and beautiful children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren.

“When I joined FAW (Fellowship of Australian Writers) I found people who accepted me; I had found my niche and learnt to accept myself.

“I think what helped me through was that I had a beautiful mother who was always there for me (despite her illness).

“I hope people read it and see there is always a light – and you can find it.”

Plink said the judging process for entries was well regulated, with more than 500 received this year.

“There are a number of readers who are each sent a batch of stories,” she said.

“They make comments on each story and these are sent to the co-ordinator who picks a short list.

“This is then passed on to the judge, who selects the 100 to be published.

“None of the readers know who has written the stories – only the co-ordinator and the judge see authors’ names.”

Other Central Coast residents to have stories published in the 10th edition are Rowena Young of Bateau Bay, Jane Bowtell of West Gosford, Julie Tohl of East Gosford, Wen Gibson of Koolewong and Andrew Kwong of Wamberal.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said the stories celebrated the insights and experiences of seniors in NSW and recognised the ongoing value of those contributions.

“This year, we saw one of the highest submission rates, with over 500 short stories shared with our judging panel for the milestone 10th edition of Seniors’ Stories,” she said.

“Eleven stories were translated into the author’s native language including Cantonese, Italian, Spanish and Hungarian, showcasing our diverse communities across the state.

“Congratulations to all our authors who submitted and to those who feature in the book.”

Member for The Entrance David Mehan congratulated the published Coasties.

“Our talented seniors continue to amaze and inspire me each year with their wonderful stories of years past,” he said.

You can download and read the stories below: