7th January 2025

‘To Dianne, a quiet achiever.’ These words were inscribed on the back of a painting and presented to Bentley Park resident, Dianne May. They summarise her generosity and warmth, as well as acknowledge her lifelong quest to help others. 
 

Early Influences 

Dianne grew up with three siblings on a farm in country South Australia. Her dad assisted and advised soldier settlers, and her mum was a seamstress. After the family moved to Adelaide, Dianne’s high school years proved to be instrumental. 

“My parents were community-focused, but it was also the school’s teachings that really influenced the rest of my life,” shares Dianne. 

As a teenager, Dianne got heavily involved in youth groups, helping to organise activities and camps. It was no surprise she went on to become a primary school teacher, and being the youngest, took all the sport classes. 

“I coached the boys AFL and won the Southern Districts of Adelaide! I still dine out on that story!” 
 

Community Spirit 

Dianne met her husband Bruce at a Commonwealth Youth Conference which she’d helped organise. They eventually moved just outside of Brisbane with the idea of being self-sufficient, owning goats, chooks and turkeys. They also opened their home to others. 

“We hosted a lot of city kids from the school, they would come along and feed the animals. It was fun.” 

Dianne’s involvement in the community continued to grow strong. Not only did she create a successful environmental program at the primary school she worked at, but she was also part of a group that built the local church. 

“It was said to be built on lamingtons!” She laughs, “We had an order for 300 dozen lamingtons every fortnight, which would be sold to fundraise for the church. We delivered them all around the neighbourhood. We also started up a Brownie group and Meals on Wheels. We did lots of fundraising in that town.” 

Dianne and Bruce later moved to Western Australia where they settled in Roleystone, home of the iconic Araluen Botanic Park. 

“During the late 80’s, there was talk of turning the Park into a retirement village. I wanted to save it. I spoke at an official meeting and got my students involved in having their say. It worked, and I received an invite to the official opening alongside representatives from my class! It was a big thing. I was very proud.” 

The painting with the words ‘quiet achiever’ came from one of the local school teachers. It is one of Dianne’s most cherished gifts. 
 

Passing on the Kindness 

Dianne and Bruce have been married for 56 years and have two daughters. After the kids had grown and flown, Dianne decided to dive deeper into volunteering, and spent 20 years coordinating a low-cost food centre where the ethos was that people should have the dignity to choose and pay for what they wanted, rather than just be given it. 

She was also involved in refugee support work for Iraqi and Afghani asylum seekers and housed a family of Vietnamese refugees. These experiences resulted in long-lasting friendships which Dianne spoke fondly about. 

“One of my favourite stories is about one of the Afghani families. I’d spend an hour every morning with the girls trying to teach them games that other kids played, so they could join in. The father would stand there watching, silently. I later found out, once he had learned English, that he was protecting us from men with guns, since that was the norm where they had come from. 

I’m happy to say the children of this family went on to become doctors and researchers, and are a great asset to the country. The parents set up a painting and decorating business, and always employed a refugee to be part of their team as a way of passing on the kindness.” 
 

Village Life 

Dianne may have retired at Bentley Park, but she hasn't slowed down on her commitment to giving back to others. Some examples include supporting the charity ‘Wheelchairs for Kids’ with her handknitted teddies, as well as helping to run SwanCare’s annual Cancer Council ‘Biggest Morning Tea’ fundraiser. 

Although Dianne is not just a humanitarian, she’s also what you might call an ideas person. Need some fresh thinking and innovative ways of bringing people together? Dianne is your lady! 

“During COVID-19 lockdown, Bruce and I organised a treasure hunt, where residents would be asked to walk out and spot certain things in windows and gardens. We dropped the list of items in people's letterboxes. It was a great way to get people out and about, and to remind them they’re part of a community.” 
 

Dianne, we’re truly inspired by your kindness and compassion. Thank you for all you do.