Episode 28 - Denise Houlihan

At 94 years old, Denise Houlihan still lives alone on her Casterton farm—despite losing her sight. Her fierce independence is matched only by her deep gratitude for the local community and family who support her way of life.One of eight children, Denise grew up during the Great Depression, moving from town to town as her father sought work. She eventually completed her schooling in Melbourne before returning home at 16 to become a junior teacher—kickstarting a lifelong passion for education.At 22, she married Frank and together they took up the last soldier settlement in Casterton. After 45 years of marriage, Denise was widowed and was struggling, that was until she signed up to volunteer with the VISE program, teaching in remote outback schools for six months each year from age 70 to 80.Her story spans nearly a century of resilience, adventure, and service—from the classroom to the red dust of the Outback. Tune in to hear how Denise continues to inspire others to embrace life fully—and maybe even plan a visit to Australia’s heartland.