Paule Collard-Community Dynamo

Question:
Where were you born and what is it that you cherish most about your birthplace?
Answer:
I was born in Cassis, a small village in Port-Louis. It was a very peaceful place. We knew all our neighbours. The school as well as the church were not very far. I used to accompany my grandmother to the 5 o’clock mass every Sunday and the best thing was the poutous she used to buy after mass.

Question:
What is the most precious of your childhood memories?
Answer:
The most important, but not really precious, event that has always stood out in my memory and I’m sure that it strengthened my character happened when I was nearly four years old. My sister had received a doll for her birthday and this doll became the terror of my life for when its tummy was pressed, a long red tongue would spring out and this scared me out of my wits; my sister knew that and she would do it just for the fun of it. One day, I took my courage into both hands; got hold of the doll, went behind a door and closing my eyes really tight I pressed its tummy and pulled as hard as I could on the red tongue. It ripped, I threw it down and stamped on it. Of course I was in real trouble with Mum but I was pleasantly relieved. Since then, I think I haven’t been scared of much.

Question:
When did you or your parents migrate to Australia?
Answer:
I migrated to Australia, with my family, on December 23rd, 1967.

Question:
What is it that you like most about the Australian way of life?
Answer:
I really like the easy going way the Australians have, i.e not interfering with others and giving everyone a fair go.

Question:
What did you do in your first job or occupation?
Answer:
My very first job in Australia was in a lingerie factory, where I worked for three months. I had to sort out the blue pieces of lingerie from the white ones; by the end of the day, I couldn’t distinguish the blues from the whites and of course I was in big trouble; so I quit..

Question:
What are / were your career highlights?
Answer:
After the bad experience in the lingerie factory, I applied to the State Education Department and became a teacher for 23 years. I was very happy and I could have gone on until I turned 100. The principals I had and the teachers I worked with were always helpful. The first day in a classroom was rather dramatic for me though .I was sent to St Kilda Park Primary school to start. When I arrived, the principal gave me a grade 5 to teach. When I stood in front of the class, I couldn’t believe my eyes. There wasn’t one dark child in the class and those kids’ eyes were so clear. The next day some parents came to have a look at me for some of the children had gone home and said that I didn’t look like them and I didn’t talk like them. Anyway, one mother said to me “I would love my daughter to pick up your accent”. That put a bit of honey on the whole thing. When the Mauritian parents found out that I was teaching at a school in their area, they would try to get their children in my class. During all my years of teaching, the parents and teachers were very supportive and friendly.

Question:
What is your favourite book?
Answer:
This is a hard one. I have favourite authors instead of books, such as Robin Cook, Jeffrey Archer, Colin Hayes, Michael Palmer, Jeffrey Deaver etc. Anyway all those who write about thrillers, intrigues etc. I also like fiction stories involving ancient history of different countries.
Question:
What do you like most in people?
Answer:
I always had a weakness for old people; I feel strongly about their needs and vulnerability. I think this is maybe because I was very close to my grandmother. I like those who are honest and reliable. I then know what to expect whether good or bad.
Question:
What do you dislike most in people?
Answer:
I really dislike hypocrites; specially the crawlers even when they don’t do it to me but one can easily detect them in a social gathering.

Question:
Who do you admire most?
Answer:
I admire those who go about doing their job, voluntary or otherwise, quietly without any fuss or looking for reward. There are quite a few that should be recognised in the Community such as Stella Hennequin and her committee giving their time to the Cancer project she has taken on; the CHARM group specially those members of the committee who have stayed on when the going started to get a bit tough. I mention the above because I have been involved somewhat closer to them than to any other groups.

Question:
What is your favourite dish?
Answer:
Favourite dish? I have never really thought of any special food or dish as I have had to cook for so many through the years. I am not fussy about food and I believe one should eat to live and not the other way around.

Question:
What is your most valuable trait / personal quality?
Answer:
I think I do not stand nonsense; I always tell anyone what I think but as I grow older, I try to be nice about it. If the person doesn’t like it, it’s too bad, at least I am not cheating on my feelings.

Question:
Tell us about your most worthwhile achievement(s)?
Answer:
I was very proud to receive the Senior Citizen Achiever Award of Victoria from the Governor of Victoria in 1997. There have been a few before and after that one. Though all are cherished, it will be too long to mention them all. I must stress that I was only the recipient; the members of the Mauritian Golden Age Club are the ones who have been behind me with their support and dedication through all the work and these awards really belong to the whole Club.

Question:
What is the most memorable moment in your life?
Question:
Actually I am privileged, my husband and myself have been able to reach our 55th year of marriage. We went to Mauritius for two weeks to spend that time together, very quietly and it was really great.
Question:
If you could wave a magic wand and do something that you desire most, what would it be?
Answer:
I would wish for at least another home for the Elderlies in the Community as there is still a need.

Question:
What is most precious to you at this point in your life?
Answer:
My health and optimism.

Question:
What are your plans for the future?
Answer:
Do the best I can, where it is needed, not to interfere and upset others in their work. My father used to say” Do what has to be done and do not worry about the rest” I think he was very wise.