Valmai Matthews: 70 Years of Community Service Recognised in January Calendar Feature

After seven decades of bringing her Chinchilla community together, 86-year-old Valmai Matthews has been recognised on a national stage, earning the coveted January spot in Dovida’s 2026 calendar with her treasured Ginger Spice Slice recipe. 

Selected from over 200 recipe submissions from seniors across Australia, Valmai is one of just 12 people to feature in the annual calendar, which celebrates the incredible lives and culinary traditions of older Australians. Her Ginger Spice Slice, a staple of any Chinchilla morning tea, opens the new year as a testament to traditional home baking passed down through generations. 

But for those who know Valmai, the recognition comes as no surprise. This remarkable woman has been the heart of Chinchilla’s community spirit for generations. 

“I’ve been in the CWA for 70 years now,” Valmai says. “My mum was a foundation member in the Wychie branch CWA, and I’ve been holding meetings at my place for the past four or five years.” 

“I like bringing people together,” Valmai says simply. 

Even as her central vision has gradually faded over the past 30 years, Valmai’s commitment to her community has never wavered. With the support of her Dovida carers, Judy and Donna, she continues to pack care bags for domestic violence survivors, sort clothing donations for monthly church sales, and bake for her family and community groups. 

“I still make bickies for the family for their birthdays,” she says. “I find when you buy bickies at the shops, they have so much extra sugar. The home made ones are so much better.” 

Judy Bock, Valmai’s Dovida carer for the past two years, has witnessed this tireless community spirit firsthand. 

“Val is very energetic and active, she loves her community,” Judy says. “We’ve packed over 100 bags for domestic violence this year. The moment I arrive, she always asks if I’ve had any arvo tea or need a cuppa. They’re from a typical old farming community – she loves to look after people.” 

Valmai’s connection to Chinchilla runs deep. She met her husband Brian when she was just four years old, growing up on neighbouring farms. Together for 67 years, they moved to a 9.5-acre property in town where they hosted 11 weddings in their garden before downsizing. 

Now, with one son, two daughters, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, Valmai’s legacy extends far beyond her immediate family to touch countless lives in the Chinchilla community. 

Her advice for people approaching retirement? “Don’t slow down. I can’t understand people who are bored.” 

“The farmers that come to town and retire find it harder to settle in than the women.  

“You’ve really got to prepare for retirement before you retire. It can feel like all at once you have nothing to do.”   

As Valmai’s Ginger Spice Slice graces kitchens across Australia through the Dovida 2026 calendar, it represents more than just a delicious recipe. It’s a testament to a life spent in service, a commitment to community that has spanned seven decades, and a spirit that refuses to slow down. 

The calendar, which kicks off the year with Valmai’s story in January, features 12 remarkable seniors whose recipes and life stories celebrate the richness of experience and the importance of staying connected to community.