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Tributes flow for Gladstone Eisteddfod stalwart Carmel Stanley

Tributes have flowed for the Gladstone Eisteddfod Association stalwart who touched the lives of thousands of students, following her passing last week. Read them here.

Tributes have flowed for Gladstone Eisteddfod Association stalwart Carmel Stanley who passed away recently.
Tributes have flowed for Gladstone Eisteddfod Association stalwart Carmel Stanley who passed away recently.

Tributes have flowed for a Gladstone Eisteddfod Association stalwart after she died on Monday, December 13, aged 84.

Carmel Stanley was viewed as an outstanding member of the Gladstone community, having been a music teacher at schools such as Gladstone West State School and Chanel College.

It was in the realm of the local Eisteddfod, however, where Ms Stanley’s leadership qualities really shone through and her legacy was cemented.

Ms Stanley’s long-term friend and current Gladstone Eisteddfod Association president Elizabeth Jones paid tribute via a written statement on December 23.

Tributes have flowed for Gladstone Eisteddfod Association stalwart Carmel Stanley who passed away recently.
Tributes have flowed for Gladstone Eisteddfod Association stalwart Carmel Stanley who passed away recently.

Ms Jones said that Ms Stanley was a valued member of the Gladstone and District Eisteddfod for most of its 50-year existence.

“During this time, she fulfilled the role of president, vice-president and committee member, with a special focus on the instrumental section of the Eisteddfod,” Ms Jones said.

“Carmel never missed meetings or opportunities to be a part of the running of the Eisteddfod and took an active role in the planning and production.

“Towards the end of her life, failing health meant that she was unable to take such an active role but she still continued to be interested in all that was occurring.

IT'S SHOWTIME: Carmel Stanley (President of the Gladstone Eisteddfod Association Inc) and Minada Gunaratne, 8 years, interrupted a piano lesson to be photographed while searching for Minada's name in the Gladstone Eisteddfod Programme. Photo: 2012 file photo.
IT'S SHOWTIME: Carmel Stanley (President of the Gladstone Eisteddfod Association Inc) and Minada Gunaratne, 8 years, interrupted a piano lesson to be photographed while searching for Minada's name in the Gladstone Eisteddfod Programme. Photo: 2012 file photo.

“During her time on the committee, she negotiated with community members to ensure that support, both financial and personal was available as needed.

“This was an important part of the success of the Eisteddfod. It is safe to say that the Gladstone Eisteddfod would not have been the success that it is without her tireless efforts.”

Ms Jones said Ms Stanley was a wonderful source of stories and information about the past.

“What had happened, the various venues used for performance, and the people who made up the original committee,” Ms Jones said.

“We learnt that without the work that had been done by these hard working and dedicated people, the Eisteddfod would neither have got off the ground, nor been financially viable. Carmel was an integral part of that.

“Because of her years of experience, Carmel had strong ideas about how the Eisteddfod should be run, but she was also open to change and new ideas.

“Carmel was a wonderful support to other members of the committee - when I took over as president, she was especially encouraging.

“We all have stories to tell about how she helped each of us as individuals and as a group.”

Eisteddfod committee member, Carmel Stanley, Gladstone. Photo Chrissy Harris/The Observer
Eisteddfod committee member, Carmel Stanley, Gladstone. Photo Chrissy Harris/The Observer

Ms Jones concluded by stating Ms Stanley was a wonderful support to both parents and students who had many stories to tell about their time with her and the joy of performing that she instilled in them.

“She encouraged them to not only do their best but also to be proud of what they achieved - her pleasure in their success spoke for itself,” Ms Jones said.

“The joy on students’ faces as they came to show her their awards was indicative of this.

“She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and worked with her but we will also take what we have learnt from her to make the future of the Eisteddfod a continuing success.”

Former Gladstone Mayor and Gladstone Eisteddfod alumni Gail Sellars said her association with Ms Stanley was a long one which started when the former was in Year 1.

Carmel Stanley.
Carmel Stanley.

“For many years we taught together at Gladstone West State School,” Ms Sellars said.

“Carmel was of course, my first thought when my children stated to learn the piano.

“I have been the patron of the Gladstone Eisteddfod for many years and our paths crossed again as Carmel was the president.

“Her many years as an educator in the Gladstone Region has seen her teach thousands of children.

“She gave back to the community through her involvement in the Gladstone Eisteddfod.”

Ms Stanley was the much loved wife of the late Gordon Stanley, adored mother and mother-in-law to Di, Brad, Ross and Maria, and cherished nana to Christian.

She was a loving sister and sister-in-law to Ailsa and Colin, Adored aunty to John and Tony, and great aunty to their families.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend Carmel’s funeral service, to be held at the Boyne Tannum Memorial Parklands Chapel, Pioneer Drive, Boyne Island, on Thursday, December 30, commencing at 10am.

Messages of Condolence may be sent to: GladstoneValleyFunerals.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/gladstone/tributes-flow-for-gladstone-eisteddfod-stalwart-carmel-stanley/news-story/be7b4b4de06c07beaabcea5418542ada