BATEMANS Bay woman, Mrs Lydia Chinnock, was awarded for services to the community at the Filipino-Australian Women’s Achievement gala dinner at the Hyatt in Canberra on Saturday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The awards recognise the achievements of women from the Philippines living in Australia and were judged by former ACT Chief Minister Kate Carnell, Canberra University Chancellor Wendy McCarthy OAM, Nic Manikis from the Office of Multicultural Affairs in the ACT and a local women Dawn Casley-Smith who is vice president of the Australian Family Association.
It was Lydia Chinnock’s use of her singing and artistic talents for the benefit of the community which won her the award, particularly given the difficult circumstances in which she developed her talents.
After coming to Australia with her husband in 1980, Lydia lived in Wollongong and then moved to Batemans Bay eight years ago. She runs her own art gallery, is a talented costume designer and has recorded a CD of her music but her talents are primarily used for raising funds and entertaining at nursing homes and community events.
“I started to paint after my mother was murdered in the Philippines,” she said.
“I never thought I could but I was upset and started some scribbles, then started with some colours and later a realised I could do more than abstract but also landscapes and portraits.
In singing, as with her art, Lydia developed her talent after her husband bought a karaoke machine. Lydia still struggles with loneliness and being isolated from her own home but being able to donate paintings and sing for charity helps.
