Awards 2014

Mrs Sue Firth - Brinkin NT 

Sue was born and grew up in post-war England. She was a shy and reserved child of the times and as result of her family circumstances, was a victim of bullying during her school years. Her brother was sent to an orphanage and later sent to Australia. Her older sister stayed with Sue and her mother who found it difficult to look after her children. Sue's father returned home after the war and took care of Sue.

Through all of this, music sustained Sue. Some of her fondest memories are of her mother singing to and with Sue. Sue's love of music and her obvious talents extended from her maternal grandfather Percie Mackie who ran a very popular big band in London for many years.

At 16, Sue left home and along with employment in a fashion retail store, she took music lessons and started singing in a girl group. Music in London in the 60's started a global revolution and Sue became one of the millions who started attending music shows and concerts by bands and solo artists who went on to become world famous. Sue then found herself and her great love of music, working on entertainment tours through Europe and the Middle East, travelling on busses to far-off places with a stash of costumes and false eyelashes. One of her last tours was to Iran, barely escaping before the country dramatically changed its leadership.

Sue was reunited with her brother in England and he convinced her to head off to Australia. Here she spent time with her brother, wife and family, working during the day and singing in clubs at night. At this time she met her husband Jon and soon after headed off with him to Darwin.

Jobs were plentiful and after a time, Sue began working in schools as a teaching assistant, sharing her love of music wherever she went. Eventually Sue scored a job at the Hospital School where she still works today, teaching and sharing her love of music to kids in hospital. Sue's very creative talents also extend to visual arts.

Music throughout Sue's life has been a constant. Her engaging smile, laughter and singing, is a wonderful way to cheer others up. "Music is a wonderful therapy," says Sue as she strums away on her ukelele. Sue also plays guitar and piano. As wen as her singing, she loves writing music and lyrics.

Sue is currently a member of the Seniors Choir, "Still Belting Them Out" and works with Seniors who share her love of music at COTA each month.

Sue Firth is a wonderful example of never letting life get you down and making the best of every opportunity.

A fitting recipient of a Seniors Of Excellence Award.