Colleen Williss of Tailem Bend embodies resilience and warmth, with a life story that spans decades and brims with love, loss, and unwavering determination. Born in the winter of 1959 in Wynarka, west of Karoonda, Colleen has faced her share of challenges, yet her spirit remains indomitable.
Growing up on a farm, Colleen's childhood was filled with the simplicity and hard work of country life. Her mother, now a vibrant 90-year-old residing in Adelaide, has been a constant source of strength. Sadly, Colleen has endured the heartache of losing her two brothers, Wayne and Trevor, but finds solace in her surviving brother, Tony, who lives in Meningie.
Colleen has been diagnosed with a mild intellectual disability, including Down syndrome. Her life took a drastic turn when she suffered from bronchial pneumonia and nearly died. Hospitalised for a while, she faced a double blow when her beloved husband passed away while she was still recovering. "My husband used to be a farmer, a farmhand I should say," Colleen recalls with a gentle smile. "He loved picking fruit and vegetables, especially strawberries in Murray Bridge. He often told me about fighting off the sleepy lizards who also enjoyed the strawberries. He used to laugh about that."
Colleen Williss of Tailem Bend, waiting for the first course of her three course Golden Oldies Lunch to be served by the Volunteers at the Tailem Bend Community Centre, July Friday, June 28, 2024.
Her husband's death marked a poignant chapter in Colleen's life, but the memories of his laughter and their shared stories continue to provide comfort. Colleen and her husband had three wonderful children: Nicole, Joseph, and Chris. Nicole, a globe-trotter, currently resides in Dubai, while Chris has recently moved out, embarking on his own adventures.
Even with her own health challenges, Colleen dedicated herself to healthcare, working at the Carinya Hostel in Murray Bridge, where she cared for children with special needs. "I looked after a six-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy," she shares. "My brother Trevor and I even ran workshops across the road from the hostel. That's where I met my husband."
Established by the Mentally Retarded Children's Association in 1973, the Carinya Hostel provided essential care for school-aged children attending the Murray Bridge Special School. Colleen turned 23 during her time there, cherishing the friendships and the profound impact of her work until the hostel closed in 1994.
Colleen Williss of Tailem Bend, getting into the spirit of Christmas at the GSSA Christmas BBQ at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge December 2023. (Image by Veronica Ward)
With the support of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Colleen has been able to manage her mobility issues and continue engaging with her community. She joined General Support Services Australia (GSSA) around the time COVID-19 emerged. "I like to get out when I can," she says. "I spend a lot of time at the Tailem Bend Community Centre doing diamond dots, sewing, long stitch, quilting, hobby texts, and scrapbooking with Wendy. The Golden Oldies lunch is always a great chance to catch up with people and have a nice lunch."
A regular visitor to GSSA's Ability Café in Murray Bridge, Colleen enjoys the Friday lunches and music therapy sessions, when she arrives early enough. She also picks up the GSSA quarterly newsletter in person, enjoying its updates and stories.
Amidst all these activities, Colleen's greatest companion is her black and grey cat, Nala. "Nala keeps me going," she says, her voice softening with affection. "She’s been de-sexed and stays inside with me all the time, unless we're going out to visit John - Nala comes with me in a cat box."
Nala is more than just a pet; she's a source of comfort and joy, a loyal friend who has stood by Colleen through thick and thin. The bond between Colleen and Nala exemplifies the enduring power of companionship, illustrating how love and care can help us navigate even the toughest times.
Colleen Williss's story is one of resilience and love, a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the profound impact of community and companionship. Despite the many challenges she has faced, Colleen continues to find joy and purpose in her daily life, surrounded by the warmth of friends, family, and her beloved Nala.