A competitive dancer, a wife, a mum, and a big supporter of the Independent movement in Australian politics.
When Angus decided to volunteer to assist Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines’ campaign three years ago, he found a way she could still be involved.
In 1962, in the UK, Diana was part the British Modern Dancing team, competing in the European Ballroom Dancing Competition, where she, and the team, came first in the Latin American section.
In that competition, she wore a striking orange dress. A dress Angus still had in his possession.
So, three years ago, and leading up to the recent election, that dress has been on display in Dr Haines’ volunteer hub, which this year was at 75 Bridge St East.
“She would have been delighted to know the dress was used in Helen’s campaign,” Angus said.
“She was a big supporter of Cathy McGowan (the previous member for Indi).
“I had first suggested as I thought it would be a bit of fun, and the other volunteers thought it was a good idea.”
Angus said that Diana ended up in Australia later in the 1960s.
She came as a tourist, and loved it so much she decided to stay — and bring her dress with her.
“She got married in Australia and raised a family,” Angus said.
“I met her several years later at a ‘single and separated ball’ in Melbourne.
“When we got married it was the second time around for both of us.”
That was in 1988, and the couple remained together until Diana’s passing.
“She had a long nursing career and loved the job,” Angus said.
“She was always keen on dancing, and kept dancing when she got here.
“I was keen on dancing too, but I wasn't able to match her in any style at all.
“I couldn’t keep up.”
Angus said he had offered to donate the dress to Benalla’s Costume and Kelly Museum, but at the time it was closed for renovations.
“They were interested but couldn’t take it at the time,” he said.
“Now they’ve re-opened, I might get in touch to see if it could go there.”
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