A GMS Story for Vision Australia Radio.

Long before television filled our living rooms, radio ruled the airwaves — and for a young girl growing up in Port Lincoln, it was magic. “My brother and I used to fight for the spot closest to the wireless,” Dorothy recalls, “so we could listen to our serials and hit parades.”

That early fascination with sound and story would quietly shape a life rich with purpose, connection, and serendipity.

After finishing school, Dorothy joined the Commonwealth Bank and transferred to Adelaide in 1954 — eager to explore opportunities Port Lincoln couldn’t offer. She enrolled in a modelling course with La Femme Mannequin Academy, learned first aid with St John Ambulance, and began singing lessons at Elder Conservatorium. Each Saturday night, while still working at the Bank, she performed with Jimmy Watson’s Dance Band at Forestville Stadium.

Her singing teacher was horrified when Dorothy chose jazz over classical — a decision she now regrets — having to seek permission from Professor Bishop to leave. Later, after returning from Sydney, she sang with the Glenlea Singers, including a few appearances on Channel 9.

Dorothy also tried her hand at a variety of jobs, from secretary to hairdresser to a short stint at 5AD in the programming department. Then came Ansett ANA, air hostess training in Melbourne, and postings in Sydney and Adelaide.

Sydney almost won her heart, but Adelaide had other plans. “I met Ian at a Dave Brubeck concert. He was tall, dark and handsome — and he had a fabulous radio voice. I was swept off my feet.”

The pair shared a love of radio that would become a defining thread in both their lives. While Ian went on to host programs, record commercials and champion local theatre at 5RPH, Dorothy worked behind the scenes — the ever-reliable ‘production assistant’, making coffee, answering phones and keeping the show running. “They were great times at the old Morphett Street studio,” she says.

Before radio, though, came Parliament House — where Dorothy’s quick mind and sharp shorthand earned her a place among South Australia’s early female court reporters. “My mother was wonderful,” she remembers. “She said to me, ‘I’ll take Michelle and if we have any problems, you’ll just have to stop.’ But we didn’t have any problems.” That simple act of support allowed Dorothy to combine motherhood with a demanding professional life at a time when few women could.

For 22 years, she reported from the Samuel Way Building (or later the Commonwealth Government) — in a career driven by the occasional ‘being in the right place at the right time’ moments, saw her words capture the state’s daily workings until technology replaced her pen. She retired to help care for her grandson — another generation touched by her steadiness and drive.

Dorothy (and Ian) were deeply interested in Australian history. Though neither had matriculated, they began attending night school at Panorama. Ian completed his matriculation, and Dorothy, after passing her exam, applied to Flinders University as a mature-age student. She graduated at 50 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), majoring in English and Politics — all while working full-time as a court reporter. “I still don’t know how I did it,” she laughs.

After retirement, Dorothy continued giving back. She (with Ian by her side) volunteered as City Guides for Adelaide City Council and worked backstage at Festival Theatre before becoming inaugural Ambassadors at Adelaide Airport — a role she held for ten years.

Following Ian’s passing, Dorothy joined the Sing for Joy choir at Glenelg, performing at venues like Dunstan Playhouse, The Space, and Morphettville. With over 100 voices combined, the choir is a joyful but complex operation.

And then there’s the knitting.

A lifelong knitter, Dorothy’s work often draws admiration. “People say, ‘I wish I could knit like that,’” she says. After winning several prizes at the Royal Adelaide Show, she began tutoring through the WEA. Her classes, from beginner to advanced, have helped many discover the joy of creating something by hand.

However, it seems fate had one more turn of the dial for her.

On a bus to a concert one afternoon, Dorothy struck up conversation with the driver, Michael Dunn — who, by sheer coincidence, volunteered at the same station her late husband once did. “Imagine my surprise,” she says, “when he told me Ian’s obituary was still pinned to the noticeboard at 5RPH.”

That unexpected meeting rekindled her connection to the station and to Ian’s legacy.

Volunteering with Vision Australia Radio soon followed — editing, reading, and lending her own voice to the work they both loved. “It seems I was meant to be here,” she says quietly. “And I cherish the past connection to Ian.”

Her story is one of constancy, of voices, love, and purpose carried through changing times. Dorothy’s life reminds us that strong women are not only those who lead but those who nurture, adapt, and keep giving back — microphone in hand, heart wide open.

Happy 90th Birthday, Dorothy!

Here’s to a life well-lived, a voice that continues to inspire, and the countless connections you’ve nurtured along the way. May the years ahead be filled with joy, laughter, and the music and stories you love.