One recent evening at the Monte Lauro Social Club in Brunswick West, during a lively dance night, our attention was drawn to a woman dressed in full summer attire, despite it being one of the coldest and gloomiest nights of the year. It wasn’t just the bold floral patterns or bright colours of her dress that stood out; it was the way she moved with such ease and joy on the dance floor, radiating warmth and charm.
Her name is Maria Taula. She migrated to Australia with her family from Licata, a small town in the province of Agrigento back in 1955 and quickly turned Melbourne into her new home. Over the years, she held various jobs including working as a seamstress at a men’s tie factory in Carlton and later as a kitchen assistant at Crown Casino.
When asked if she had any stories from her time at Crown, Maria paused and said, “I never understood how people could throw away so much money in a single night. But the saddest part was hearing, now and then, about someone who had taken their own life [by] jumping from Princes Bridge after losing everything to gambling.”
Taula is deeply empathetic and generous by nature. She finds joy in spending time with others, particularly the elderly in aged care homes. After retiring, she began volunteering regularly, offering companionship and light-hearted conversation to residents who often live in quiet isolation.
“There was this Calabrian woman at one of the homes who adored me,” she recalls. “Every time I visited, she begged me not to leave, not to leave her alone. One day, they told me she’d been admitted to the hospital, so I rushed to see her. Sadly, not long after, I had to attend her funeral,” Maria recounts with visible emotion.
Her kindness, generosity and zest for life are more than just personality traits; they’re a philosophy. Maria lost her husband 17 years ago, but instead of retreating into grief, she made it her mission to embrace life and encourage others to do the same. At community events, when she meets people who’ve recently lost their partners, she’s quick to offer encouragement.
“I always tell people to keep going. Life moves forward, and you never know what’s around the corner,” she says. “Not long after I was widowed, I was out gardening when a man stopped and asked if I’d be interested in playing bingo. He was part of the Merlyston Seniors Club committee, and when he mentioned they also had dancing, I didn’t hesitate!”
That was the start of a new chapter for Taula. She became a member of the Merlyston Seniors Club and, over time, also joined the Monte Lauro Social Club, the Solarino Social Club, the Fawkner Italian Pensioners Club and the Preston Italian Pensioners Association.
Now in her golden years, Taula continues to dance, laugh and live life with passion - an enduring reminder that joy is always within reach, no matter what life throws your way.
