Thank you to everyone who entered our ‘Picture This: Framing Age’ creative competition.
This was a project led by Holstep Health in partnership with the North and West Metro Elder Abuse Prevention Networks (EAPN).
The competition continues our work to challenge ageism and celebrate older people at home, in the community and workplace. We are pleased to say that we had over 30 entries and after much deliberation among our judging panel, we have our winners:
- Equal 1st place – Rajni, Candice, Elisha, Mel
- Runner up / youth prize – Skip
- Kids prize – Alannah
You can also view the full gallery of artworks entered below. Thanks again to everyone who got involved!
Picture This: Framing Age competition gallery of entries
Rajni or Wheelchair, Rajni
“This portrait captures the last ember of my freedom — my voice. The fire emerging from my mouth symbolizes strength and resilience, a living flame that defies the limits of my body. Though much of me no longer moves as it once did, this painting celebrates the power that still burns within me: the voice that speaks, creates, and endures.”
Untitled, Candice
“My friend Rob will have his 80th birthday in 2026. He is still working as a plumber part-time, he has been an active sportsperson all his life and continues to participate. Rob is great fun to be with, loves to help out others and always up for new experiences.”
My nan my hero, Elisha
“The older person who inspired me was my nan. She lived independently until she was in her late 80’s. She was widowed twice and raised 5 kids on her own. She lived in a rural town (Ganmain) and was very active every day. She was the light of the town and went to church every day. She inspired me not to be afraid of age but to look forward to it. Because in these years she was able to see all of the seeds she had sewn thorough out her life.”
Cheesin’, Mel
“Not even Melbourne’s turbulent and unpredictable weather can take away the warmth of Despina’s smile. When I first met her as a social support buddy, my first impression was that she had a regality about her that I thought would make difficult to get her to smile. I was wrong however, as her face would crack open into a wide smile almost every second she spoke of life, faith, family … and dogs! She lives a quiet life, studies the bible meticulously everyday and at almost 90 years old, can demolish an entire kebab or carbonara plate. (She has great taste!) I love the way she surprises me, inspires me, reminds me of the beauty in simplicities. Especially the way her face beams when she sees a child or a puppy. We speak of life and love like fellow young friends, and I can’t help but feel my heart warm everytime she smiles at me. I managed to capture one moment as Despina saw a cute baby, and thought it was the perfect reference for my pencil drawing. It’s a reminder to cheese as Despina does!”
Untitled, Skip
“I painted a portrait of my Nana in the Fauvism style, the Fauvism style works really well with my Nana as she is a very colourful person. All the colours I chose represents how I see her. I see my Nana with a warm, yellow, happy glow around her that makes me smile as she lights up every room she’s in, it was the first colour I thought of when painting her. The pinks used on her hat and lipsticks are personal favourites, she has her beloved pink hat that she wears on special occasions and her signature lipstick she always applies. The blues in her shirt not only compliment the other colours but represents the struggle and sadness she has overcome just to be here as herself. I also used lots of warm tones in her face to carry on her warmth from the background. The eyes are a softer colour to stick out more as she has her beautiful captivating eyes. She inspires me to also have the same warmth around me and to persist with things just as she has done before. My Nana has such a kind soul and treats everyone with respect, the amount of people she supports like me and her other grandchildren or other kids she has helped overtime shows how kind of a person she is. I hope that all the colours and their representations show who she is instead of me explaining who she is.”
My Tata, Alannah
“My Tata inspires me because he is 85 years old and uses a walking stick but still likes to do things! He makes yummy food like handmade bread (pan amasado), Caramel (Manjar) and Empanadas! He came over from Chile with his family to Australia in 1976 and still speaks lots of Spanish. I have drawn a picture of my Tata with my brother and me. You can see his walking stick in the picture too! He loves to play games with me, especially Dominoes! I love my Tata!”
My mum, Gabby
“My mum is an amazing woman. She rode her horse from Melbourne to Canberra to open the new Parliament house. She walked from Darwin to Adelaide to raise money for the RFDS. Raised 6 kids with no help. She’s 92 and she’s unstoppable, just recently went to NZ for a holiday. She just such an inspirational person.”
All Her Years Lived, Linda
“My Good Friend turned 90 a couple of weeks ago and we held a party for her. She has always inspired me because she is very independent and feisty, still lives on her own and relies on very few people. She has virtually no Family left and deals with that very well. She socialises often and make her own way to the community on her scooter. She is very friendly as well as feisty and never takes any nonsense I admire her greatly she is a legend to me and many others and well respected.”
Untitled, Beth
“My mum, kind, funny put everyone even strangers before herself at age 96. Recently found mummy shopping centre holding strangers screaming baby whilst stranger put her toddler in the car and lady loaded her shopping. Another time mum gave her jacket off her back in enter to homeless gal and mum froze in the car.”
Untitled, Adua
“My mum always had a way of making me feel like I was on top of the world. Her nature was so warm, kind, and nurturing that just being around her made everything feel lighter. She was the type of person who lifted people up, never brought them down. What inspired me deeply was the way she cared for me in all the little everyday moments. She used to sew things for me, putting in so much love and effort. I couldn’t do it myself because I couldn’t see it, but she never complained — she just did it because that’s the kind of mother she was. When I was going to boarding school, those early mornings showed her love even more. Dad didn’t have a car back then, so he would walk me to Brunswick Road, and before that, Mum would wake up early to dress me. She always made sure I was warm, comfortable, and looked after. She dressed me with such care — you could feel the love in every button, every scarf, every layer she wrapped around me. But her personality was just as inspiring. Mum loved having a laugh and sharing little jokes with everyone around her. She had such a warm sense of humour — gentle, friendly, and welcoming. People felt comfortable with her because she was genuine. Even if someone did the wrong thing, she stayed polite, respectful, and understanding. Mum inspired me to become the person I am today. She taught me to help others, support people through tough times, be grateful for what I have, and live with kindness. She raised four children with strong values, morals, and love. Her warmth, her laughter, her patience, and her strength shaped me. Everything good in me started with her.”
Untitled, Dana
“My mother was born just before the second world war. her father died just before the end of the war. She won a scholarship to go to university, but this opportunity didn’t come her way as her younger brother went instead as it was assumed that she would get married. Instead, my mother took an apprenticeship with a law firm and became one of the first female articled clerks in South Africa. My mother saved up so that both my brother and I could go to university. She appreciated the value of education. She loved words and later worked as a scrutineer on a newspaper. She taught English in China and also read for Tape Aids for the Blind.”
Leading with Heart: The Inspiring Story, Shika
“Every time I spend time with Harinder Ghumman, lovingly known as Nina. I am inspired by her warmth, energy, and commitment to helping others. Working closely with her on Project Sitara, a GenWest initiative preventing violence against women, I have seen her generosity, empathy, and leadership in action. Nina Aunty doesn’t just lead; she encourages everyone around her to thrive. She founded a women’s social group, Ladies Club 60, which began as a small support group and has now grown to more than 100 women. It is a safe, welcoming space where senior Indian women reduce social isolation and gain knowledge about health, cancer prevention, legal rights, and mental health & wellbeing. Her guidance helps women navigate language and system barriers with confidence and dignity. Her dedication to cultural inclusion enriches Wyndham’s multicultural community. Through festivals, celebrations, and gatherings, she nurtures cultural pride, strengthens intergenerational connections, and fosters understanding between communities. Nina Aunty also connects women to public health and community initiatives, encouraging civic participation and bridging gaps to essential services. Through her volunteer work at a local Sikh Gurudwara and Project Sitara, she inspires women to challenge stigma, share knowledge, and build safer, stronger networks. Every action she takes creates a ripple effect, empowering women, supporting families, and uplifting the community. Being close to Nina Aunty has taught me the true meaning of leadership, leading with empathy, resilience, and heart. Her life inspires me to stay active, help others, and carry forward her spirit of care, courage, and empowerment.”
Deda legenda, Iva
“My grandparents are war survivors, cancer survivors, they still grow their own veggies and keep bees for honey. Their social lives are better than mine and my grandad still drives at 90 years old! The golden generation.”
Amazing, Susana
“I met Angelica for the first time in 1980. She always worked hard but still have the time to listen and helped everyone in need. She is well known and loved in the Spanish and Latin communities. At 97 she is still working as a volunteer in the Senior club as a treasurer, does the bingo and she is very funny lady. She is an inspiration.”
Garo – what an inspiration!, Ozlem
“Garo Baghdassarian, an 81-year-old table tennis enthusiast, shines with kindness, warmth, and a smile that lights up every room. He first discovered table tennis at 32 and has played on and off ever since, but the past six years have marked a special chapter in his journey. Noticing a decline in his health, so Garo decided to increase his time at the club which changed everything. He proudly shares that table tennis has not only strengthened his body but has positively impacted his mental health in ways he never expected. Garo now plays regularly on Mondays and Saturdays for coaching, and enjoys friendly games on Wednesdays. On Tuesdays and Fridays, he joins the Keenagers group at Coburg Table Tennis Club, where laughter, conversation, coffee, and biscuits flow as easily as the rallies across the table. For Garo, these sessions are about more than the sport, they are moments of joy, connection, and community. He loves improving his game, helping others, and building friendships with everyone. He has two sons and one daughter, a grandfather of nine with one great-grandchild. Garo experienced deep loss in 2023 when his beautiful wife, Lena, passed away. Finding comfort and companionship at the club has been an important part of his emotional healing. I’ve known Garo for almost a year, and in that time we’ve built a friendship filled with fun, exercise, and plenty of laughter. He is an absolute joy to be around and definitely an inspiration to us all.”
Golden, Mariam
“Uncle Farouque and Aunty Nazli have built an empire for generations to come. Over the years, they turned living rooms into salons and ordinary days into masterclasses in wonder. As a dynamic duo, they complemented each other: bringing together style, intellect, generosity and history. You could always rely on Aunty Nazly for tea, butter cake, and warm presence. And Uncle Farouque would be excited about any question related to history, geography, law or politics. They’ve achieved so much in their lifetimes, and there are many who stand on their shoulders. Even as they grow older, and more frail, they are surrounded by so many people who love them. They’ve shown that sophistication can be generous, that intellect can be joyful, and that love, above all, is the finest art.”
Untitled, Julia
“This is one of my favourite photos- of me and my friend Karena, she is older than me, she recently just joined our Hillside Community Thursday singing group. My carer captured us here singing to our favourite songs playing in my speaker which I carry with me everywhere I go. My singing group consists of 21 members and growing. Age group: 55yrs – 85yrs. Teacher: C F plays acoustic guitar and leads our group 15 mins introducing all our names individually in a round circle, then we exercise our voices with three sentence songs, and just follow teacher with her guidance. The group consists of Healthy, Independent and active over 55yr old women and husband and wife team. I am in awe of being allowed to join this group being a brain haemorrhage stroke survivor recovery since January 2020. I joined the group in 2022 and still going strong. I wanted to write about how my Hillside Thursday singing group inspired me so much, especially seeing over 65yr olds, 70s, 80yr olds all active and living their best life. To see them make an effort to attend once a week at our singing group is a miracle within itself. I look forward to attending our group every Thursday because, I love singing for fun and just for the pure pleasure of it. As a 60-year-old, I look up to all my Thursday Hillside Community for encouraging me to be happy and enjoy singing as long as I can.”
My first friend in Victoria, Miriam
“Gayle McKerra has from the first time I met her helped and encouraged me to be more social. She volunteers to water the Botanical Gardens nursery early in the morning. She has other voluntary work that she does as well. I would still be sitting at home if it wasn’t for her and I feel she deserves recognition. Gayle has also instigated a coffee morning every Wednesday morning at my local cafe at Thornhill Park. She’s the best.”
Cheryl Doesn’t Paint by Numbers!, Ann
“What is a big life? What makes your life meaningful? Social media tells us who to value, but I think we should look up and recognise our everyday heroes. That’s why I’m nominating Cheryl for this award. At first, being called a senior felt strange, as it wasn’t something I looked forward to. My perspective changed after taking part in Seniors Week, when amongst other things I signed up for an art class. After attending that class, I discovered my passion for painting. That’s how I met Cheryl, who volunteers as an art teacher at our local community centre. Cheryl is an unsung local hero. She spends many hours at the centre with a humble wrapped sandwich to keep her going. Cheryl is not only generous with her time, but with her knowledge and kindness. She prepares individual activities for the class with her own resources, so people of all skill levels can take part. Her face instantly lights up when she reviews our work – and I am no Picasso! It’s clear her joy comes from her love of people. To us, it’s more than an art class. It’s a community where we make friends and share our lives in a safe place. We have Cheryl to thank for that. Every day through small, thoughtful actions, Cheryl makes a difference to people’s lives. She inspires me to give back to others. Cheryl is leading a big life and she doesn’t even know it! Age has not defined her!”
Ziġu Pietru, Michelle
“My uncle Peter was a quiet man. He lived a life of solitary, even though he came from a very large family. He was born in Malta and unlike many of his siblings who migrated to Australia, stayed there and lived his life in the village of Zejtun. He was a mechanic and was always tinkering on cars. I unfortunately only had the opportunity to spend time with my uncle on two separate occasions, during holidays to Malta. Even though we were together only for a short time, the connection was strong. On the last day of my trip, we bid farewell to each other, and somehow, we both knew it would be the last time we saw each other. He died the following year, but he stays forever in my heart.”
Untitled, Rose
“I am inspired by my best friend Ann (name change for privacy) I know Ann as kind, inclusive, a good listener, very friendly and supportive. She is now a retired teacher: busy with minding grandchildren, checking on her neighbours, helping her community and loving her friends. Despite struggling with cancer she is always thinking of how to improve others lives and acting on it. My artwork is dedicated not only to Ann but to all of us that are advancing in years and the disabled. This little snail on wheels represents a slower pace of life. To be inclusive of all elderly, I have chosen to acknowledge some of our challenges. The snail has no shell to represent the homeless. The tip of its tail is missing as we recall the amputees. The eye, looking backwards, shows how often we like to remember the past. We love to share memories. I have depicted different patterns to represent our diverse stories. We are all unique with rich histories and cultural backgrounds. The wheels are because some of us need wheels to support us to get around. We are determined to keep mobile and independent. This snail is dynamic and moving forward. It has a smile for the joy of life! The journey continues and we are here to make the most of it – whatever the next adventure may be we are grateful.”
Untitled, Lepa
“The ladies in the photo teaches me to enjoy every minute of my life and always laugh and be happy.”
Untitled, Dhara
“The older person who inspires me most is my grandmother. She taught me resilience and creativity in every aspect of life. Despite facing challenges, she always approached problems with grace and optimism. Her ability to adapt and learn new things, even in her later years, showed me that growth never stops. She encouraged me to express myself through art, reminding me that colors can speak when words cannot. Her wisdom—“Patience creates beauty”—guides me daily, whether in work or personal life. She inspires me to stay curious, embrace change, and find joy in small details.”
My Baba – Slavic for Grandmother, Martina
“Two special older people in my life are my Grandmothers, they are very kind, caring, respectful, optimistic, share stuff and always look after me. Thank you for being wonderful women. I love you so much. Love Martina.”
Sad Man, Tony
“It is a self portrait.”
The Wise One, Raksmei
“I met Betty in 2020 through Facebook. She’s from Arizona, USA, and has followed my journey as an artist ever since. In November 2024, at the age of 79, she traveled all the way from Arizona to Australia to attend my first solo exhibition. Now 80 and still going strong, Betty’s determination and love for exploration are truly inspiring. Her age doesn’t stop her from doing anything, she still drives across states and travels often. She’s a true inspiration to me, full of stories, wisdom, and life. Nothing can slow Betty down, she’s as sharp and ambitious as she was 30 years ago. We love her so much.”
Untitled, Joshua
“Josh is 24 years old and submitted his artwork with support from his Art Therapist and Aunty. He lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fragile X Syndrome and moderate intellectual disability, and communicates using single words, supported by written prompts and gestures. Josh’s artwork reflects his deep appreciation for an important “grandpa figure” in his life, Carmelo, who recently turned 93. A widower of 13 years and a WWII veteran, Carmelo’s home is filled with objects and memories from another era. Josh loves exploring these treasured items, and he shared that spending time with Carmelo—especially going out for pizza—brings him a lot of joy. His entry captures that sense of connection, warmth and the comfort he feels in their intergenerational friendship.”
Fox in her Den, Gail
“I would like to nominate Cheryl Tenace, who volunteers at the Melton South Community Centre. Some people say there are the Givers and the Takers in this world, if that’s true Cheryl is definitely a Giver. She shares her knowledge of water colour with such generosity and good nature and also takes care of her grandchildren. We have lots of laughs and I have made many new friends in her class. I attend the class with my two sister who are all over sixty. Now we are all retired there are many things we could do together but we choose Cheryl’s water colour class because of all the reasons above. Cheryl Tenace is the perfect candidate for this award and I hope you will consider her. She is a talented artist who shares her knowledge and gives up her time freely.”
Our watercolour class teacher, Julie
I would like to nominate Cheryl Tenace our Watercolour Class teacher as she is a true inspiration to all her students. She gives her time freely to share her vast knowledge. Her bright personality shine even when she is tired after looking after her very young grandchildren. Cheryl is always bringing in her own supplies for our classes even though this is not a requirement for this role. I admire her kindness & patience, and am appreciative of the skills she has taught me this year, and I know that all of her students feel the same way. Without her help I would never known that I could create a piece of art worth framing.
Petals of Remembrance for you Dad, Carmen
“I’ll never forget the way your eyes lit up with pride whenever I achieved something. That look meant everything to me. Every dream I’ve chased began with my Dad’s belief in me. Even when I doubted myself, he never did. He’d smile and say, “Go for it. You can do it.” He made me brave enough to try, patient enough to fail, and strong enough to try again. That’s what real love does — it builds confidence, not dependence. Dad, thank you for being the foundation of my courage. Because of you, I learned to dream big and never give up. You didn’t just raise me — you raised my spirit.”
Untitled, Steve
“The older person who inspires me most is my mother. She grew up in a small village in Rize, Turkey, where she was never given the chance to attend school or freely express her thoughts. Despite that, she became one of the wisest people I have ever known. I admired the way she approached every problem with patience, calm, and compassion. Whenever I faced difficulties, she always offered gentle guidance that helped me see things from a perspective I hadn’t considered. She taught me that love and patience can overcome even the hardest struggles. This was especially evident when she faced cancer while living alone. Even during that battle, she never made us feel guilty for not being physically by her side. She protected us from worry, and somehow continued to lift our spirits instead of drawing attention to her own pain. She never let anyone leave her home with a heavy heart. She believed in healing others, emotionally and spiritually, even when she needed healing herself. She was my role model, my grounding force, and the source of many values I carry today. I miss her deeply, but her strength and love continue to guide me. That cat joined our family when my mum passed away from cancer and Steve also passed away from an old age/cancer. I see the relationship spiritually.”
The Elder Abuse Prevention Network is supported by the Victorian Government.
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