CREATING connections across generations and highlighting Loneliness Awareness Week, Allity Beechwood Revesby was the first NSW home to join aged care provider Bolton Clarke’s SHARE storytelling program.
Beechwood Revesby resident Ramon Williams, 92, was one of the first participants, joining University of Western Sydney student Ammaarah Abrahams to bring together the story of his career as a news photographer who captured some of Australia’s most iconic moments.
After starting his career as an apprentice fitter and machinist and later a missionary, it was in photography that Ramon found his love of stories.
“I was a fitter and machinist apprentice when I was 16 but gave that up to become a missionary,” he said.
“My wife and I went to Indonesia and as part of my work as a government representative, I started a correspondence course and learnt about dealing with the media and advertising.
“When my triplets were born, I photographed them laying in a humidicrib sideways because the Baptist mission hospital only had one so we had to fit all three babies in.
“That was my first story and after that I separated from the mission and set up my media agency.”
Ramon would go on to report some of the key milestones in Australian history including the opening of Parliament House and the Sydney Opera House, the devastating impact of Cyclone Tracy and several Royal visits.
Ammaarah has been working closely with Ramon to bring his story together in a book.
“I can see that the residents get a lot of joy talking about their past and reminiscing, especially having someone to listen to them,” she said.
“I think this program is great because for those residents feeling a little down or lonely, it sheds light on the fact that what they did during their lives is important and matters.”
