Esme Rash, 93, and Wendy Pope, 91, have created an exceptional connection over the past four decades. Their relationship is rooted in collaborative practice, engagement with the local community, and enduring passion for their hometown of Yarram, Australia. Their friendship has blossomed through joy and death, showing the deep connections that can happen in every stage of life. Only recently were both women recognized with an OAM (Order of Australia Medal) over the King’s Birthday long weekend. This recognition serves as testament to their extraordinary contributions to their local communities.
Esme Rash and Wendy Pope’s shared path started when they were both young girls. Both women have a strong reflection on their very fortunate childhood in the Yarram region. Esme is rightly proud to call Yarram her home. At the same time, Wendy was born in Yarram in 1934 and had attended for many years a girls’ school in Sale. Fabulous faces The dynamic duo have a number of beloved childhood stories that still connect the pair as they approach their twilight years together.
A Passion for Community Engagement
Wendy Pope spends most of her time these days volunteering with some twenty local community groups who form the backbone of life in Yarram. Her dedication to serving her community has led to honors and awards for outstanding service. Reflecting on her service, she stated,
“I’ve just done whatever needed to be done, but it’s lovely to be recognised.” – Ms Pope
Wendy’s memories of all the wonders of her bucolic girlhood are spread across these pages. She recalls the rigors of life on a Woodside farm for more than two decades. By 1977, she returned to Yarram and adjusted quickly to the small community’s tight-knit culture.
“We had everything we needed — shops, banks — and a very close community built around the local sheep and wool industries,” – Ms Pope
She is particularly thankful for the relationships she’s built within Yarram. “Here in Yarram, there’s always somebody to say hello to when you walk down the street,” she shared.
Esme Rash has had a profound impact on the community through her passion for family history. She is inspired by connecting with a new community and discovering the wisdom in each of their stories.
“You meet so many fascinating people and, because I didn’t have a family of my own, I had more opportunity to support these different organisations,” – Ms Rash
Her engagement with local history has enabled her to foster relationships that enrich her life and the lives of others.
Celebrating Their Achievements
The recent honor of receiving the OAM has brought both women into the spotlight, prompting reflections on their long-standing friendship. Wendy humorously noted the change in their titles as they adapt to this new recognition:
“Although now Esme and I have to remember to add three more letters to the end of our names!” – Ms Pope
As they receive this award, both women continue to pledge their devotion not only to one another, but to making a difference in their community. Wendy finds joy in her daily engagements, expressing her philosophy on life:
“That’s the spice of life, waking up each morning and thinking, ‘Who can I help?’” – Ms Pope
Esme is quick to confirm this, saying that the best part of every day is knowing that there’s something to look forward to.
“And if you’ve got something to look forward to, every day is a joy.” – Ms Rash
They are deeply committed to service and community. It is evident that their intertwined lives have made a profound impact on those around them.
Cherished Memories of a Bygone Era
Both Esme and Wendy have a strong love and attachment to Yarram as a place with a childhood lived outside. Wendy has lovely memories of bike riding to their local butter factory. She particularly enjoyed getting fresh pats of butter and cream delivered through a side door.
“I also remember riding my bike to the local butter factory, where they’d open a little side door and serve you fresh butter and cream.” – Ms Pope
Esme’s life was dramatically affected by World War II when, after losing the rest of her family to tragedy, she moved to Melbourne.
“Unfortunately my mother’s youngest brother had just been killed in New Guinea, which devastated my grandparents in Melbourne, so we moved there in 1943 to be with them,” – Ms Rash
Through all this tumult and turmoil, both women have made their way back to Yarram, where they still paint beautiful memories the world will not soon forget.
