Delwyn and Andrew engagement.
“I am proud to nominate Delwyn Paech for the ‘Legends of the Nepean’ in recognition of her dedication to bettering our community and beyond,” said Nadine Willis, Executive Director, Road Trauma Support Group (RTSG), NSW.
“In May 2024, Delwyn was asked to host a morning tea for a bereaved Mother’s Day event, held for the RTSG. This was a day for mothers who have lost loved ones through road crime, to gather and remember their loved ones and share time with other women who had suffered such a loss.
“Initially, Delwyn was asked to assist the women to create a small mosaic piece that represented ‘ripples’ associated with stories of loss, emotion, resilience and hope. Little did the women realise these individual pieces would later be combined into a large and incredibly beautiful piece of art. A unique piece that radiated a collective design to convey the continuity of love and remembrance for loved ones who have been tragically taken due to a criminal act on our roads.
“It took Delwyn six months and countless hours of her own time to create this masterpiece. And then countless more hours mounting and grouting the mosaic that is now proudly displayed on the “Jasara” building at Grace’s Place, Doonside.
“Delwyn really did go above and beyond to ensure this display was nothing short of perfect for the women of the Road Trauma Support Group. A beautiful legacy created by and for victims of road crime.
“This is a true testament to Delwyn’s big heart and desire to serve others in whichever community she finds herself in. Delwyn is a true reflection of what leadership, generosity and service to others is. This is why she is a perfect candidate for the ‘Legends of the Nepean’ nomination.”
Born and raised in Hopetoun, Victoria – in the Mallee Region, Delwyn was the youngest of four siblings in the family and fondly remembers her youth on the farm riding the motorbike and swimming in the dam (at times with the horse).
She met future husband Andrew Paech in their high school years and although not initially together in a romantic relationship, due to the distance between their respective towns (Delwyn in Rosebery and Andrew in Horsham) she would receive a phone call from him every Sunday night for the next two years.
They then ‘went out’ for two years, were engaged for a further two years, then married in 1991 in Horsham, Vic.
They then expanded their family and moved to Chester Hill in Sydney’s west to attend Southern Cross Bible College (now Alphacrucis University College) when son Josiah was two years old and daughter Indigo eight months old.
Painting with a friend at the College restored her creative interest and she has since blossomed in the Arts, adding two Visual Arts Degrees to the two Nursing Degrees in her resume.
Meanwhile, Delwyn had also been working for two years with Australia Post as a ‘postie’, cruising her beat in Carlingford on a Honda 110cc before moving to Penrith in 2002. She worked as a Receptionist with Penrith Christian School whilst completing her university studies.
Delwyn was on the Dean’s Academic List for four years at UWS before achieving her Fine Arts Degree with Honours and a Master of Teaching.
She then worked at Penrith Anglican College for 10 years, teaching Visual Arts, then on a casual basis at Montgrove College and The Lakes Christian College.
Delwyn will take up a four-day primary teaching role in 2025 at Montgrove College in Orchard Hills and spend one day a week with her new grandson, Malachi.
Artistically, Delwyn enjoys working with her hands in whatever medium inspires her at the time. She enjoys making ‘big’ art, often constructing work using her favourite power tools.
Delwyn also illustrated a book recently for parents to read to their children about post-natal depression. The book is written in a rhythmical, child-friendly way to help children understand what their mum or dad is going through, and to give the opportunity for parents to sit, read and connect with their children at this difficult time in their lives.
Delwyn Paech was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Nadine Willis.
If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com
