Listen To Older Voices presents the stories, views and opinions of our older citizens. It is predominantly in a life & times format, with interviewees reflecting upon their lives from earliest memories. An underlying principle of the program is to promote the concept of positive ageing, reinforcing the principle that older people have & continue to make a valuable contribution to both their local & wider community.
This program features the Life and Times of Thelma Exton and was first aired in May 2005. Thelma tells a story of a life that represents continuous hard work and dedication. She was bought up on a farm in rural Victoria during the Great Depression. In her story she shares her recollections of life on the farm during that terrible time.
Thelma also recalls her school experiences in a small rural school. Here the pupils were physically punished if they gave a wrong answer to a question.
We learn about her mother and father, both of whom had to work very hard. This took a physical toll on her mother. So it was Thelma found herself at a young age being a carer for her mother who fell ill.
When Thelma did get to work outside the home, she worked very hard. her jobs included building fences, being a domestic help for a local MP and being a cleaner at the local racecourse.
Hers is a story of struggle and hardship. Her story and life typified Australians who saw us through those dreadful years and helped form this wonderful country.
Click to hear – Thelma Exton
Previous Listen To Older Voices Programs can be found in our archive, by clicking on one link or the other
– 2012 to 2016 
– 2016 onward 
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[Listen To Older Voices receives funding from the Commonwealth Government
through the Commonwealth Home Support Program Program]
