Women from Permanent Impressions in 2021
ROS WORTHINGTON- Interviewed by Carmen Jenner
Often hailed as the voice for the voiceless, Dr Ros Worthington OAM has been the driving force behind charities Make a Wish Foundation, Breast Cancer Care WA, Lifeline WA, Love Angels and Big hART. Personally affected by some of the issues addressed by her humanitarian work, she has turned her own pain into power and in the process, touched numerous lives. We caught up with Ros and found out how she felt about being on the receiving end of kindness when Jana painted her portrait.
You’ve been integral to the success of several charities including being the founder of Breast Cancer Care WA and your integral roles with Make a Wish Foundation and Lifeline WA. Please tell us more about Love Angels.
I’m retired now but I still do a bit of work behind the scenes with Love Angels, which I helped set up 15 years ago. The foundation teaches children the value in paying it forward with kindness and the values of compassion and kindness. I’ve spoken to thousands of children in hundreds of schools teaching them the value of becoming mini philanthropists. I love working with the little children. I’m proud of all the charities including Breast Cancer Care WA that helps thousands of women every year.
Big hART helps the vulnerable through art, what is your role with them?
I’ve been working with young indigenous women living in Roebourne for many years through mentoring and helping them make something of their lives. Big hART is a national company that began in Tasmania and it’s all about educating through painting, music, writing songs and so forth so the kids aren’t left behind in isolated areas.
You’ve endured your own personal battles that you have documented in your book titled The Power of Giving. What do you think inspires your charitable nature?
People inspire me. Particularly people who are underprivileged and struggling and the way they manage to get on top of things in their life. Particularly children. They’re our future and I get inspired by them and I love imparting any knowledge I can onto them.
What are you working on now?
I’m semi-retired and I’ve moved back to Geraldton after 50 years. I turn 70 this year and I’ve found my happy place. I came for three months during Covid and then I wondered why I wasn’t living by the ocean permanently. So, I made the conscious decision to slow down and put myself first. I can walk to the ocean - it’s a wonderful lifestyle.
You might be semi-retired, but you’re still out there helping others.
Yes, I like to remain relevant and I’m still available for speaking engagements, mentoring and consulting. Thanks to technology, it’s still possible for me to do all these things.
What’s your take on Covid’s impact on society?
When it first happened, I noticed many random acts of kindness and it’s been wonderful in one way how humanity has come together and helped each other out. But now as things are getting back to normal, let’s hope those random acts of kindness continue.
Random acts of kindness are the norm for you, was there anything else that Covid brought out?
For me personally, it gave me a wake-up call making me realise what I wanted to do and that life is too short. It brought families closer together and there’s been so much terrible sadness, but I’m grateful for where we live.
Have there been any particular highlights for you over the years?
My whole life has been a highlight and all the work I’ve done and continue to do with the charities.
You’ve touched so many lives through your humanitarian work.
There’s been many ups and downs too, especially with Lifeline WA where you’re dealing with suicide prevention. This is going to sound really corny, but every day is a highlight. I don’t want for much and just for my family to be healthy and happy. That’s all I need.
Do you have a message for anyone wanting to give back?
Believe in your heart and don’t worry if you don’t have the money to do it. If you have the conviction, determination and passion and you really want to make a difference in the world, you’re the only one stopping yourself from achieving your dreams. Especially living in this country.
We’re so lucky to live in WA. So what are your future plans?
In September, I’m moving into my new home that my son bought me, which is wonderful. I’m going to keep enjoying life by the beach in Geraldton and time with my family. I just love life every day knowing I’m making a difference and being there for other people whenever I can.
How did you find the experience of having your portrait painted?
I had never been asked before and now someone else is doing my portrait for the Archibald Prize. I was overwhelmed by the experience but having Jean, Jana’s sister-in-law there made me feel very relaxed.
So you would recommend it?
Absolutely! It’s just wonderful that someone wants to paint your portrait. It’s a pretty special experience and I remember feeling very warm at the time and humbled too to be part of the collection and included in the book.
What did you think when you first saw your portrait?
I didn’t know what it was going to be like. Jana is a very clever lady and an amazing artist so I was very happy with it.
It certainly captures your personality.
Thank you and I’d like to wish Jana all the best with Permanent Impressions. I remember she did the book for her girl and that impacted on my heart in a way that I’ll never forget.
Was there anything else you wanted to add?
Life is good and don’t take things too seriously. I try to live every day like it’s my last and I feel very blessed.