In Resilience #1, I reported on the “Secrets of Ageing with Resilience” forum I attended in late 2022. We heard from inspiring speakers Peter Halas, Lynette Riley, Elizabeth Chong, and Gordon Parker. Their stories are truly remarkable.

Peter Halas

Peter Halas was born in 1939 in Budapest, Hungary. His is a Holocaust survivor’s journey of resilience. In 1944, Peter went into hiding to avoid capture by the Germans; he remained in Hungary until 1956, when the Hungarian Revolution broke out. Peter took the opportunity to escape and walked for three days to get to Austria and from there to Australia.  

Peter arrived in Australia in 1957, aged 17. He didn’t have much more than the clothes on his back – but knew he would have stability, security and peace in his new country. He found something he loved doing and worked hard. Peter began as a salesman, business owner, and then creator of the swimwear brand “Seafolly” in 1975. The brand is now recognised worldwide. Peter now works with “Courage to Care” – an organisation empowering people to stand against racism, prejudice, discrimination and bullying.

Lynette Riley: “A First Nation Person’s Journey of Resilience”

Associate Prof Riley, aged 66, is an Indigenous Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi Woman. Lynette talked about the days of colonialism in 19th and 20th century Australia, and was herself oppressed and marginalised because of her background. We saw photos of her family and friends from youth to adulthood.  

Lynette managed to complete her education against all odds. Her resilience strengthened with her determination to give her children the same opportunities and more, to fulfil their potential. Today, Lynette has several health challenges which she is bravely fighting. Her career is focused on teaching, academia and making changes in the lives of Aboriginal people. 

Good on you Lynette! We wish you well.

Elizabeth Chong, AM 

Born in 1931 (and a Gemini like me), Elizabeth Chong is an Australian celebrity chef, former cooking teacher, author, media personality and host. She is known as a pioneer of the food industry, the first celebrity chef and promoter introducing traditional Chinese cuisine to Australians. Only three when her family came to Melbourne, Elizabeth didn’t learn to cook until well after she got married. Still cooking at 91, she’s a truly beautiful lady – always with a smile, laughing at life. I found her warm, engaging and so interesting. A true Aussie treasure! Please listen to Richard Fidler’s interview with Elizabeth recorded in December 2022 – and do sample her divine recipe for “Chicken Rice”.

Gordon Parker, AO: “Old Age is Not for Sissies!”

I love that Bette Davis quote Prof Parker began his presentation with.

Gordon kept us amused: he did, after all, write for the “Mavis Bramston Show” – an iconic, early Australian comedy program. I remember it well, rolling on the floor to his jokes (I was 16 then, new to the country; the show certainly taught me a lot about Aussie culture!). 

Gordon’s “Strategies for Resilience for Your Contemplation” provide excellent points to ponder. Tick off the ones you can achieve, and make sure you follow up. 

Many stories I heard at the forum, especially that of Peter Halas, were not unlike the new Australians I got to know at Sydney’s Prince of Wales Hospital where I worked. They were mostly staff doing menial jobs who stowed away to Australia in ships, jumped in boats and walked for days to reach freedom. They knew they would either die trying to escape or die in captivity – but there was also a chance they would make it in their new country. And they did. They worked very hard for decades, but are now happy, financially secure and excellent role models for their families and communities. People once poor who spoke broken English gave me the best advice on life (and share tips!), and have remained friends since my days at the Hospital.

Post-Covid, it seems life poses more challenges than ever before. Compared with what our heroes here have overcome, those challenges may seem mere inconveniences. Nevertheless, they are still YOUR challenges. I hope we’ve helped you in some way to get through them!