02 June 2025
Every book has a last chapter, but sometimes life writes an unexpected epilogue filled with wonder.
Every book has a last chapter, but sometimes life writes an unexpected epilogue filled with wonder.
When Alan and his wife Valmai arrived at Estia Health Wattle Glen in June 2024, they were navigating a major life transition together. Leaving behind their beloved home, they prepared to “change ships” and “walk the plank” into unknown waters, embracing this new journey with courage and grace.
Their daughter Keryn had chosen Estia Health Wattle Glen on good advice – a decision that would prove transformative in ways none of them could have imagined.
Country born and bred, Alan carried with him a secret love of literature and poetry his entire life, “T’was being a sissy to mention the bard of Stratford,” he reflects with characteristic humour. Although that quiet love of creativity led him to become a teacher, then a principal for the last 15 years of his career. While he appreciated art in all its forms, he’d never imagined he might create it himself.
Then came the day that changed everything.
Walking into their room at Estia Health, Alan and Valmai passed what he fondly calls the “art corner”. Keryn pointed it out: “Lots of interesting things to do, Dad.”
From their window, they could see the bush alive with birds, and a sulphur-crested cockatoo caught Alan’s eye – a familiar friend from his country days. “Have a go at painting that, Alan,” came the gentle encouragement. And so began a journey of discovery.
What started as a simple visit to sneak over to the art corner became something inspiring. That first painting, which “looked like a cockatoo and was a fun exercise,” sparked a passion that has flourished beyond anyone’s expectations. With the quiet support of Val and the nurturing guidance of Wattle Glen’s Lifestyle team, Alan found himself drawn back again and again.
“The fact that it was just Val to assist, no one peeping over my shoulder,” gave Alan judgment-free confidence to try, and something precious: ownership, relaxation, challenges, discussions, research, and sharing. Each canvas was a fresh adventure.
The man who arrived expecting to say goodbye to the life he knew, found himself saying hello – to art, to possibility, to a renewed sense of purpose.
Today, Alan is often found in the “art corner,” and his artwork graces the walls of Wattle Glen in a personal exhibition that speaks to the power of encouragement and the magic that happens when we create spaces for people to thrive. His paintings capture not just the birds and nature he loves, but the spirit of a man who discovered that it’s never too late to try something new.
“The love of creating art enhanced through your efforts, not having to be compared… intrinsically rewarding,” Alan reflects. “It’s the hope of reward that sweetens labour.”
As Bindu, Wattle Glen’s Residential Aged Care Manager, observes, “Alan only discovered this talent after moving in, which beautifully represents the nurturing and supportive environment we strive to provide.”
His message to others facing their own unknown is simple and heartfelt: “If my simple approach to pick up a paint brush and dabble does inspire others to punctuate their days at Estia Health, knowing they always have the support of the caring, encouraging and well led and guiding Lifestyle team, then ‘have a go.’”
Alan’s story reminds us that some of the most beautiful chapters are the ones we never expected to write. At Estia Health, every resident’s journey matters, every interest is nurtured, and every day holds the possibility of discovering something wonderful.
In a world that sometimes writes off possibilities with age, Alan’s brush strokes tell a different story – one where curiosity conquers circumstances, where creativity blooms in the most unexpected seasons, and where the courage to try something new can change not just days, but entire destinies.
Best wishes,
Alan 👨🦽
