Her last exhibition at the Oak Hill Gallery in Mornington last year featured works mirroring decades of deep love for the beauty around her – from soft florals to bold landscapes. “I do watercolours and acrylics and I basically paint whatever I like. It all brings me great joy,” explains the self-taught artist who for many years ran her own ceramics studio.

Betty has been attending the Social Connections Group at Andrew Kerr Care AgeWell Centre for the last ten years and loves the camaraderie and friendships she has forged there – as well as enjoying all the activities and the hot lunch. Betty also volunteers to teach art lessons there every week.

“It gives me great joy to help foster talent,” says Betty, who recently created a beautiful fan at the Mornington centre for the Chinese New Year celebrations. “Over the years I’ve also volunteered at Meals on Wheels, as a probation officer and taught arts and crafts to stroke survivors to enable them to improve their hand movement.”

It’s International Women’s Day on 8 March and an opportunity to recognise the impact that women, in our Uniting AgeWell family, like Betty, are continuing to make.

Although Betty uses a walker after falling and hurting her spine, she has not let this setback detract from her ability to make the most of each day. Her optimism is reflected in the vibrant colours in her artwork – and even in her choice of outfits. “I absolutely love putting on lipstick and matching clothes,” she explains. “It gives me a real lift. The other day someone said I looked like I was in my 70’s. How fabulous is that?”

Betty and Michael have always lived colourful lives. They travelled around Australia fossicking for sapphires and garnet, striking it particularly lucky in Rubyvale in central Queensland where they used their haul of sapphires to make rings for family members. They also both love game fishing. Betty once reeled in a 21-pound snapper!

Betty’s curiosity about life is as great as ever. She recently became interested in watching Korean television shows and movies, following the subtitles to understand the plots. She also enjoys doing crochet work and reading.

Family is very important to her. She has two children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her late husband was a Prisoner of War in Burma. “I met him when he returned home to Australia,” she says. “He attributed his survival to eating chillies.”

Find out more about connecting socially on Victoria’a Mornington Peninsula.