These hands to tell an important story
Published on 01 September 2025
The stories of inspiring local seniors will be spread throughout the Glenelg Shire this month following the launch of a new creative campaign.
‘These Hands’, a seniors awareness project, has been launched as part of the lead-up to the Victorian Seniors Festival in October.
The project features four older adults from across the Glenelg Shire whose stories and contributions are celebrated through compelling images of their hands.
These images and personal stories will be installed on empty shopfronts in Portland, Heywood, and Casterton, showcasing the valuable contributions that seniors make to our local communities.
Project participant Norm Perkins hopes that by sharing his story he can help inspire others, especially the younger generation.
“These hands have seen a lot over the years—working, building, lending a hand wherever I could. At 82, I look back with real joy at everything I’ve been part of. It’s amazing how much life you can hold in your hands,” he said.
“Being part of service clubs and community groups has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life. There’s a deep satisfaction in helping others, and it’s something I’ve always carried close to my heart.
“I hope this project shows younger people that getting involved in your community isn’t just important—it’s something that can really shape your life. We need them to jump in, give it a go, and discover just how much joy and meaning it can bring.”
Glenelg Shire Mayor Cr Karen Stephens said the stories shared were not only inspiring and in many cases heart warming but also in keeping with the Victorian Seniors Festival, but also National Carers Week, which runs from 12-18 October 2025.
“These Hands’ aims to raise the profile of the valuable contributions that seniors make to our communities, while increasing awareness about the needs of older adults,” she explained.
“Each photo highlights the hours of farming, volunteerism, craft-making and piano playing behind each of their hands. Notably, every one of the participants are also unpaid carers, supporting family members or friends with disabilities, illnesses or age-related needs.
“I thank the four participants who have bravely shared their personal stories for this important campaign, and I look forward to seeing the visual impact this has upon our townships.”
The Big Pictures can be viewed at the following locations throughout September and October:
- 97-99 Henty Street, Casterton – Cheryl Whyte
- 75 Edgar Street, Heywood – Ted Taylor
- 32 Bentinck Street, Portland Library – Cheryl Ford
- 90 Percy Street, Portland – Norm Perkins