“Queen of Port Douglas” continues to have flare for creativity

Seniors Wrap

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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Oriel Wilde is never far from her easel. Picture: Ozcare Port Douglas

That creativity is not just for young minds, is strongly proven by local senior and talented painter Oriel Wild, who is also known among locals as the “Queen of Port Douglas”.

The Ozcare resident, who turns 86 this year, ran a theatre, designed homes and now paints almost daily after starting her painting career at the age of 68.

At her home at Ozcare Port Douglas, Ms Wild is never far from her easel.

“I’ve always loved art but didn’t start painting until late,” Ms Wild said. “Now I dabble in many styles from portraits to landscapes. I’ve always got some form of painting on the go to this day.”

Creative outlets

In her early years, Ms Wild remembers fondly singing and playing violin, when her enthusiasm for the creative arts was ignited.

Playing violin at the age of 10, with an instrument crafted in Vienna in 1821, she was selected to perform in orchestras and a 1000-voice choir that performed at Sydney Town Hall.

Later on, Ms Wild expressed her creativity throughout her work as artistic director at the Clink Theatre in Port Douglas.

“For many years I wrote and produced plays which was a great outlet for creativity because I was often involved in making the costumes, back drops, and props for shows.”

Queen of Port Douglas

Looking around Port Douglas, Oriel’s flare for creativity earned her the nickname of “Queen of Port Douglas” after her own Pavilion style home was copied by developers, leaving a lasting mark on local architecture.

“I’ve always had a reputation for being a bit of a go-getter and helped design other homes like it in Port Douglas after being approached by a Sydney-based accountant who was designing properties here at the time,” she said.

Oriel said the houses are simple with box-like volumes and expansive glass in consideration of the local landscape and environment, along with open-plan interiors for modern living and an informal lifestyle.

“He liked what he saw and asked me if I would work with him to design and develop properties in the Port Douglas area.

“It is a house style that is very well-suited to the Australian climate and lifestyle and has laid the foundation for much of contemporary architecture in recent decades.”

MEANTIME IN OTHER SENIOR NEWS….

PAUL CAREY AT KEWARRA AGED CARE

Speaking of the creative arts, seniors at Kewarra Aged Care were treated to a visit from classical singer Paul Carey this week.

When he’s not travelling Australia performing, Paul Carey volunteers his time to entertain residents at Kewarra Aged Care each month.

This time, residents enjoyed his exquisite performance of Ave Maria by Schubert along with a host of other wonderful songs that made for a very memorable morning.

Nicky Mifsud, Lifestyle Coordinator at Kewarra, said: “Paul’s performances are always a highlight on our social calendar.

“Everyone had a lovely time and Paul made such an impression that the residents were talking about it all day. It’s always such a special experience, so we can’t wait for his next visit.”

Mr Carey has performed with Opera Queensland and also takes part in many local productions at the Rondo Theatre.

He next appears as Uncle Fester in an upcoming production of The Addams Family at the Clink Theatre in Port Douglas from 13 – 30 April 2023.

Mr Carey said performing for the residents at Kewarra is “a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience”

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