A life of giving to others
DEIDRE Miller once worked with Mother Teresa and has taken her life’s philosophy from spending time with the well-known humanitarian in Calcutta.
“She was the most spiritual person and taught me to give unconditionally,” Ms Miller explained.
“The experience really made me aware and it opened my eyes to how other cultures lived and the poverty and how lucky we are in Australia.”
On the same trip, she also met Julia Roberts, long before the actor’s Eat Pray Love journey.
“She was working there in the orphanage; I was working in the nursing home. It was after she broke up with Kiefer Sutherland. She was nice, just like any normal person.”
Ms Miller’s job in India was part of a back-packing trip taken in her late 20s, after establishing her nursing career.
“As soon as I left school, I started nursing. I have always wanted to nurse. I love helping people, it’s in my heart.”
For the past 11 years, Ms Miller has been working in aged care, and is the Aged Care Funding Coordinator at Dubbo’s Orana Gardens.
“I do all the assessments and put together a package to get funding,” she explained.
Ms Miller also spent 24 years as the manager of Wellington Civic Centre, where she shared many enjoyable moments with the local community.
“There were special days, with weddings and deb balls, I enjoyed making things as nice as I could.
“I’ve worked with a lot of the committees in town,” she told Dubbo Photo News.
There were also some sad times and memorable moments.
“I will never forget 20 guys in my office watching the Grand Final during a wedding reception! I will also remember the really special people that have passed away and were farewelled there.”
Ms Miller now has a casual position at the venue, and relishes both of her roles.
“I love both jobs as I enjoy the social interaction as well as a challenge and love working hard.”
And when she’s not working, travel and adventure play a major part in her life.
“I love adventure and looking at beautiful scenery.
“I have climbed the Annapurna trek in the Himalayas, I have climbed volcanoes, I love water skiing and scuba diving. The Gulf of Thailand is better than the Great Barrier Reef.
“I make the most of everything. If you want to see it happen, you just make it happen. Don’t put it off.”
After trips to Nepal, Indonesia, India and Thailand, Ms Miller is planning for Bali this year and Canada in 2020.
“One of my favourite sayings is: ‘Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting holy... what a ride!’
“I know life is too short so don’t live with regrets.”