A followup of …
Rosie changed lives—A Retrospective
Honouring the life and work of Rosemary Opala
Coochiemudlo Island, 29 September – 1 October 2023
Organised by Coochiemudlo Island Heritage Society
A retrospective of the Retrospective!
We are pleased to report that the event, ‘Rosie Changed Lives — A Retropective’, surpassed all expectations of success and enjoyment! Visitors to the event included those from Coochiemudlo Island, Redlands City, and further afield.
The information on this page is a summary of the 3-day event held in 2023, the centenary of Rosemary Opala’s birth. You’ll also find:
PDF links to the informative papers about Rosemary Opala that were delivered at the event
The Retrospective was held at the Coochiemudlo Community Hall. Upstairs, a display was arranged to emphasise the wide scope of Rosemary Opala’s achievements. Downstairs, a collection of Rosemary’s art work on loan from the Redlands Museum, the Redlands Art Gallery and friends, was on show.
With the organising of this event, CIHS collaborated with both the Coochiemudlo Island Artisans Collective and Ross Street Gallery where there was an exhibition of Coochiemudlo Island’s flora and fauna during the Opala Retrospective weekend.
Tidal Moon provided music at the event opening, and again on Day 3. José and Barbara’s performance was a beautiful musical backdrop for those who paused to reflect on Opala’s legacy.
On Day 3, Kate Barker wrote and delivered a poem that captured the mood of the event: honouring a sense of place, in time and space, and Coochiemudo Island. Kate’s beautiful poem is available to read here.
Event schedule: the speakers and writers
Friday, 29 September — Opening (Day 1)
Lance Hewlett, Councillor for Division 4, opened the Retrospective and commented on the immense value that Rosemary Opala gave to her community and the lives she touched. He also commented on the positive influence of CIHS.
Professor John Pearn presented Peter Ludlow’s ‘Rosemary the Person’.
Tidal Moon Music accompanied the light refreshments, and the full moon shone its beauty on the approximately 50 members and friends who attended that night.
Saturday 30 September (Day 2)
Kate Barker presented Marie-Louise Potter’s paper, ‘Rosemary the Writer’.
Margaret Paxton-Rolfe presented her paper, ‘Rosemary Opala’s Voice’.
Sunday 1 October (Day 3)
Professor John Pearn presented ‘Rosemary the Nurse’.
Rick Thomason presented ‘Rosemary the Artist’.
About Rosemary Opala — the papers
We’re grateful to the writers who have allowed us to link to their papers:
Rosemary, the person byProfessor John Pearn
Rosemary, the writer (this paper may become available soon)
Rosemary Opala’s voice by Margaret Paxton-Rolfe
Rosemary, the artist by Rick Thomason
Rosemary, the nurse byProfessor John Pearn
Thank you!
We thank the Redlands Museum, Redlands Art Gallery, Coochiemudlo Island Artisans Collective, Tidal Moon, Ross Street Gallery, all the writers and presenters, CIHS volunteers, and the attendees who contributed to the success of this event.
Day 1: Kate Barker at the registration desk welcoming everyone to the opening night of the Opala Retrospective.
Day 1: Professor John Pearn presenting Peter Ludlow’s paper on ‘Rosemary the Person’.
Day 1: Professor John Pearn presenting Peter Ludlow’s paper on ‘Rosemary the Person’.
Day 1: John Buckley was the consummate barman, pouring drinks with flair and cheer!
Day 1: Local duo, Tidal Moon, delivered the closing performance for the night: beautiful music delivered by José Garcia (guitar and voice) and Barbara Jeffries (harp and voice).
The audience, captivated by Tidal Moon, and the beautifully lit grounds of the Community Hall.
Day 2: People arriving at the registration desk, upstairs in the Community Hall.
Day 2: Kate Barker delivering an 'Acknowledgment of Country'.
Day 2: Morning tea on the verandah
Day 2: Jan MacIntyre, CIHS president, welcoming Margaret Paxton-Rolfe to the podium.
Day 2: Margaret Paxton-Rolfe delivering her paper, ‘Rosemary Opala’s Voice’.
Day 3: Margaret Preston sharing her first-hand knowledge of Rosemary Opala.
Day 3: Michael Gourlay sharing his first-hand knowledge of Rosemary Opala.
Day 3: Bruce Fielding, second cousin of Rosemary, sharing his first-hand knowledge of Rosemary.
Day 3: Margaret Gillett sharing her knowledge of Rosemary Opala.
Day 3: Kate Barker, wordsmith and poet, reading her poem about the Opala Retrospective.
Day 3: Margaret Gillett sharing her knowledge of Rosemary Opala
Day 3: Professor John Pearn presenting ‘Rosemary the Nurse'.
Day 3: The raffle was drawn on Day 3. These were the fabulous prizes!