Marie to stand tall as an Aussie at last

By Shaun Inguanzo
MARIE Boyes may be shorter than most people, but she’s the biggest fan of the Noble Park RSL.
The 55-year-old dwarf narrowly missed an opportunity to be naturalised on Australia Day after arriving from England in the 1950s – but now plans to have her special day at Noble Park RSL on Anzac Day this year.
And what better place for Ms Boyes than the club she loves.
Ms Boyes has called Noble Park home since arriving in 1955, but it was the Noble Park RSL where she began a series of lifelong friendships.
Her being a dwarf has made life a challenge while living in a world made for taller people.
But Ms Boyes is the first to admit, that while being a dwarf can prove challenging, the Noble Park RSL has always been there for her.
“I’m 3 foot and 5 inches, I can’t drive – instead I’ve got a motorised scooter,” she said.
“I’ve learnt to live around (dwarfism).
“When I was young, dad decided to come out to Australia from England because he thought I’d get better medical treatment.”
Two years ago Ms Boyes had a fall and fractured her spine. She spent three months in hospital, and the Noble Park RSL was by her side all of the time, she said.
“They’ve helped me with things like a new fridge, they’ve moved trees, and fixed my roof. They also bought me a walking frame.”
It is not only the last few years the club has pitched in for Ms Boyes – club president Gordon Murray was the first to help when she first arrived in Noble Park.
“Gordon was my neighbour when he was a sailor (in the Navy),” she said.
“He used to help me get out of trouble; I used to get stuck in the mud and the kids would poke fun at me, but he used to help,” Ms Boyes said.
Ms Boyes is cared for by her sister, Faith Whitehead, 62.
She said most people who met her for the first time were fascinated to learn more about dwarfism.
Ms Boyes is also close friends with Keysborough Ward councillor Roz Blades.
“We’re all very proud of Marie because she is such a lovely woman,” Cr Blades said.