There’s no such thing as spare time in Lyn Stewart’s world – only opportunities to make a difference.
Driven by a simple belief that “there’s a better way”, her lifelong commitment to helping others was shaped by a difficult experience with her childhood teacher – one that influenced the educator she would later become.
Early days
Lyn grew up in Maroubra Beach as the youngest of four children.
Creative from an early age, she began drawing with her sister at five.
In 1958, at 15, she took a job at a local greengrocer while studying art at Sydney’s National Art School.
She dreamed of becoming a professional artist.
Over the years, she explored watercolour, oil painting, character construction and embroidery and she still embraces anything creative.
A stubborn love
In 1962, while working at David Jones in Sydney, Lyn met her future husband Jim who was also working there.
She described him as “a real charmer”, admitting she didn’t want to like him at first but fell for him anyway.
Jim, who grew up on a farm in New Zealand, had moved to Australia to pursue a singing career.
They married in 1963 and Lyn moved to his hometown in Hawke’s Bay.
The couple raised three children – Scott, Nicole and Leanne – before returning to Australia in 1981 and settling in Redcliffe, Queensland.
Changing direction
While living in New Zealand, Lyn completed her Diploma of Teaching in 1975, redirecting her career into education.
She taught literacy, mathematics, geography and art for 25 years, later serving as deputy principal and education advisor before retiring in 2005.
But it was her own schooling that drove her passion.
“To make sure you knew your timetables, the teacher would stand you on a chair and she’d sit next to you,” Lyn recalled.
“Every time you got one wrong, she’d whack you around the legs.”
Determined to do better, Lyn focused on creating safe and encouraging classrooms where students felt supported rather than shamed.
Community at heart
Retirement didn’t slow her down.
After moving to Banora Point in 2005, Lyn volunteered daily at the Tweed Regional Art Gallery.
She played a key role in establishing the Margaret Olley Art Centre and served on its committee until 2016.
In 2018, she spent a year living in Ballina where she became chairperson of Dementia Inclusive Ballina.
A gentler pace
In 2022, Lyn moved to Beaudesert to be closer to her grandson Bede and his family after downsizing when Jim became ill with dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
As his condition worsened, he required further care at Wongaburra.
He passed away in 2025, aged 85.
Today, Lyn fills her days with Beaudesert U3A classes in guitar and creative drama, honouring Jim by learning to play his guitars.
After a lifetime of stepping forward to help, Lyn is learning to slow down – though she still finds ways to make a difference.
