Photographer – Trevor Green

Joan Blyth b. 1937

Joan is one of eight children. Her family had businesses in pastoral holdings and timber mills in Wingham. Joan’s mother said she was the only child who was up early, dressed and ready for school before the others had risen. Joan loved school, was keen to go every day, and attained the intermediate certificate before leaving to work in an administrative role in the family business. It was at work where she met and married a young man named Ray and the rest is history!

When her father passed, Joan stayed to ‘tidy things up’ before going into partnership with Ray in an earth moving business. She also raised three children and was the glue that kept the business and family going.

Joan has compassion for her community and has held voluntary positions at schools, council, Brownies and within the church. She is an Elder in the church and still has a strong involvement. The church and her faith have been the foundation of her life.

Another love is her love for flowers and gardens. Ageing has changed the type and amount of gardening she does, and because of arthritis her gardens are now in small beds. Joan admits she once lay on her stomach and wiggled her way to remove weeds before brushing herself off once she got back on her feet.

She experiences frustration with some manual tasks, but she and Ray enjoy their busy lives and are happy to be able to provide support to family, friends and her church congregation. ‘If I cannot help manually, I can always say a prayer.’

Phil Burton b. 1956

Phil was born in Armidale and moved to Taree where he attended Taree High School. After leaving school, Phil became an apprentice carpenter and worked for a local window manufacturer. After a downturn in this industry, Phil decided to undertake a sign-writing course and worked as a signwriter. He returned to TAFE, but this time to teach showcard and ticket writing. Phil has remained in this profession until today.

Phil’s passion for art and surfing emerged, and he began doing drawings and paintings of surf culture, drawing his original inspiration from a Hawaiian artist and Pro Hart. Phil’s artwork and popularity has seen his work sold around the valley and throughout Australia. He loves to see the enjoyment of people who appreciate his work.

In recent times, Phil has had health issues, which has forced him to reevaluate his signwriting business and how much art he can produce. His down time has allowed to reflect on his life and what is important to him. His faith has been a substantial part of his life and has provided solace.

Phil can be found cruising in his beloved kombi, Clyde, or chilling at Saltwater Point after a surf on one of his long boards. He is comfortable with his place and time of life, and is thankful for the ability to draw, paint and bring happiness to other people in the community.

Photographer

Trevor Green

Trevor Green (b. 1959) After a life-changing event a few years ago when Trevor suffered a heart attack in the surf and died for several minutes in hospital, Trevor has developed his passion for sport and portrait photography. His recovery period allowed him to reassess and focus on his art. Although he has been a photographer for most of his life and remembers the old darkroom days – complete with silver headaches – he also remembers the magic of the first image coming out of the soup. Now Trevor embraces the new technology and the ability for everyone to share images around the world.