A Journey of Art, Resilience, and Community

Where did your love for art and teaching begin? 

 It all began in 2009 when I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Following that, I fell into a deep depression that lasted for a year. My doctor recommended that I try something completely new—something I had never done before in my life. I decided to follow his advice, even though I had no experience in painting or drawing. 

I have a wide range of interests; I enjoy math, physics, accounting, and working with numbers. 

What was your first memory of creating something with your hands? 

I spent a year crying in art class, often questioning what I was doing there. One day, I decided to start painting. My first piece was a picture of a car and a house, which I gave to one of my best friends. She still keeps it in her home to this day. 

What do you love most about teaching art? 

I enjoy teaching mosaic art the most because it helps people, especially women who experience depression, through the therapeutic act of painting. 

Do you have a favourite art project or memory with your students?  

I have a special Memory of a woman, a Latino woman who was experiencing domestic violence situation, a very bad one, and she was able to feel confident and got was able to get out of the relationship because she was making art and selling it.  

What brought you to Romero Centre?  

We have always been connected with the Romero Centre in some way, as there used to be a committee for Monsignor Romero. I was part of this committee and supported his work through it. Our family came to Australia as refugees in 1989 and also became involved in the centre’s activities. Volunteering through the Romero Centre within the archdiocese, I continued to support refugees and our community. That’s how my family, along with many others, were welcomed and supported when we arrived in 1989. 

What does volunteering here mean to you? 

I have been a volunteer since I was 18 years old. I come from a large family, and even during the war in El Salvador, we were fortunate that we did not suffer as much as many others. I believe that those who help others receive help from God. 

What do you think younger generations can learn from volunteering alongside elders? 

They can learn a lot. When I came to Australia, I received a lot of help from volunteers. It helped me to the point where I was able to start my own little business, even without knowing any English. I believe that there is a strong connection between the younger generation and their elders. I’ve noticed that younger people tend to listen to their grandparents. In my own family, my sons often call me to talk to their children, which shows this link between generations. 

How can you encourage more older Australians to stay involved in community work? 

There are many places where people volunteers, and I have been involved in several organisations. I have formed five different groups within various communities. One observation I have made about many organisations with older volunteers is that they tend to be less active. They often gather to talk to each other and drink tea, but I believe they could do more to motivate younger generations. For example, they could speak in schools, visit churches, and engage with their communities. 

I think there is a necessary link between younger and older generations. Additionally, I believe the middle generation has become somewhat disconnected, which is why it’s important to bridge the gap between the younger and older generations. 

What does turning 80 mean to you, and how do you plan to keep making an impact? 

As I turn 80, I feel that my life remains the same. As long as I am still standing and walking, I consider myself to be fine. Currently, I am in a transitional period regarding my passion for supporting others, particularly with accounting. I see this as a crucial need. 

To me, supporting people through painting brings real value, but I also need help with the accounting side of things. I can manage the basics of what comes in and what goes out, but I really need a volunteer to handle the details. Without that support, I may have to close the organisation — and that would mean losing our Tuesday painting sessions and the joy they bring to people. 

What message do you have for others about staying creative, active, and connected at any age? 

Life is about building something — it doesn’t just fall from the sky like manna (the food God provided in the Bible). We each have talents — accounting, singing, creating — and we’re called to use them in different ways. 

I remind people to use today’s tools wisely. My daughter once asked me about finances, and with just an app, everything was translated instantly — no translator needed. Technology can be powerful, but it must serve us, not replace us. 

In one art class, someone created a painting with AI. It sat unsold for nearly two years until a friend finally bought it. That showed us technology can’t replace the human touch. 

At the heart of it, we are human — and what matters most is how we connect, communicate, and create together. 

I want the grants and donations from my fundraising initiatives to go directly to the Romero Centre, because this support will be life-changing and so important for the community. This organisation has already achieved so much and continues to bring real value to people’s lives, which is why I am also planning to personally donate $500. In the past, my late husband managed the donations in my fundraising initiatives, but now I need someone reliable who can help track and manage them. That way, every dollar is used as intended, and I can continue making a strong and lasting impact. 

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Rosario’s story reminds us of the power of resilience, creativity, and community. Volunteers like her make Romero a place of dignity and welcome for all. If you would like to make an impact too, we invite you to volunteer regularly with the Romero Centre and be part of this journey of hope and connection. Send an email to Romerocentre@bne.catholic.net.au for more details on volunteering.