Eight years ago Bowning was blessed when Rosalie and Bob moved into the area. Being a very compassionately driven lady she has numerous hairy, fleeced and feathered babies. Some of which have been purchased and adopted from unwanted homes or just for love, these animals have a fabulous home (actually an animal wonderland) and unconditional love.

Drawn from the love of these animals is Rosalie’s passion of art, pen and pencil, the personality from each comes forth in her art work. Each piece contains amusing and secretive elements hidden within the character.

“On the way out to feed the chooks with all that surrounds me I have inspiration,” she said.

Quirkiness is never amiss, whatever Rosalie puts her hand to her creative genius shines through. Upon meeting this colourful lady I am inspired and filled with confidence and energy to try new things. That’s the kind of effect this lady has on you.

Through being charitable Rosalie recently helped with classes at the Bowning Holiday Program, helping the children make their imagination come to life. Over many years she has dedicated countless hours to helping in women’s and children’s refuges also through schools and community programs.

In 1983 Rosalie helped start the Canberra chapter of ‘Compassionate Friends’ a support group for bereaved parents. She realised by helping others cope with their grief, also helped her cope with her own. From that point on she has been engaged with many community groups. The last several years being the University of the Third Age history, art and gardening, Yass Spinners, Llama Association, Fleeced in Bowning, Bowning Hall Association and Bowning Progress Association just to name a few. Not being an up-front person, she just supports from the ranks.

As a small child Rosalie dabbled in drawing, again her artistic flow benefited her job as an assistant at a florist and soon led to her becoming the manager. Today she arranges the flowers for St James church in Bowning, the atmosphere glows with the simple but well-structured flower arrangements.

With all that she does Rosalie always has time to stop, have a chat and share her experiences to help others. She is an honest person who tells it as she sees it, is open-minded and kind. When time allows you will likely find her sitting at the dining room table completely absorbed in her artwork which she finds hard to leave. But never too far from her mind are those inspirations waiting to be fed. “Never enough hour’s in a day,” she said.

Having Rosalie in our community to inspire and teach is so much more than a blessing, it is magic.