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This is a story about a special Islander. It is obvious that not only we have a great affection for Elsie, people on the mainland also hold her in high regard. 

This was written by David McGrath and appeared in the Paynesville Bowls Club newsletter in 2004. 

"This month I have chosen to profile the dynamic little 83 yr old ,Elsie Williams. In her typical fashion, Elsie was initially reluctant to allow me to do this profile as she believed that no-one would want to read about her, and that she would be thought to be skiting

I think the best way to describe Elsie would be that she is a little bit cheeky, a little mischievous, a little flirtatious, a little little at 4’11”, but most of all a very loving and caring person who makes the most of life without complaint. Her love of dancing and desire to have a good time is legendary, as all those who have seen her in action at our Dinner Dances would agree
Elsie Williams
Born in 1921 in Richmond in the middle of the depression, and being one of eight children, meant that her early years were not easy. Although she recalls several memories of the hardships faced by her family at that time, she has no regrets and throughout the interview often refers to her  happy family life, and how pleased she was to have been brought up in such a loving and caring way. She loved her mum and dad dearly and thanks them for helping her to lead a good Christian life. (Elsie reckons she has never had an alcoholic drink in her life, although the temptations and opportunities were certainly there, particularly in her early sporting days.)
Elsie had early visions of being a missionary, but the need to care for ailing parents made this not possible.
When she was about five years old, Elsie and a couple of her sisters had to be separated from their family due to the hardships being faced and spent time with foster parents in Bordertown, S.A. As the nearest school was some distance away, and as Elsie couldn't ride a horse, she was unable to go to school.
At about 8 years of age she returned to her family and went to primary school at Richmond, finishing her school life in Grade 6.
Her first job was in a biscuit factory where she worked long hard hours from 7.30 am till 5.30 pm. She next worked in a canister factory where she first gained an interest in bike riding through a workmate, which eventually led to her becoming a champion cyclist.
World War 2 intervened and Elsie joined the Air Force in 1942, spending time at Sale Air Base until 1946 as a cook.
Elsie describes her early days as a racing cyclist as tough as she couldn’t afford the best cycling gear. She borrowed helmets, and her mum stuffed brown paper down her thin shirts to help keep her warm. People queried her being too small for her bike, and doubted her being able to handle it properly, particularly on the steep turns in the velodrome.
Elsie did not let these obstacles get in her way, as she soon became a scratch rider at the Essendon board velodrome,  gained sponsorship from Bruce Malvern of Malvern Star fame, and eventually reached the distinction of being Australian Track Champion. It was also in cycling that she understandably earned the nickname of Mickey Mouse, which stayed with her for many years. I’m sure many also probably referred to her as Mighty Mouse.
She recalls travelling by steam train to Bundaberg for a cycling event. She also remembers having the opportunity to fly a Tiger Moth (under supervision) at Benalla.
At the peak of her racing career she was  mixing with the likes of cycling champions Bill Guyatt and Tassie Johnson. and Hupert Opperman. She also describes rubbing shoulders with the likes of Betty Cuthbert and Shirley Strickland at the various sporting events that she participated in at that time. The opportunity for Olympic representation eluded Elsie, as at that time there were no events in the Olympic Games for female cyclists
Elsie remembers how nervous she was when interviewed by Eric Pearce on TV after winning a Sportswoman of the Year award.
Elsie wistfully recalls that the thing she enjoyed most about cycling was that it gave her the opportunity to get out of Melbourne from time to time.
After her racing days were over, Elsie took to tennis and badminton with the same vigour, love and enthusiasm as she had for her cycling. She reached Melbourne A grade tennis standard, often coming across Harry Hopman, who was then a coach. Then she dropped everything for golf , playing anywhere at every opportunity, and reaching pennant standard in Melbourne.
She keenly continued these pursuits during her 10 years at Wonthaggi while working as a seamstress in a clothing factory, and later during stints at Warragul and Drouin.
She also spent time running a mixed business in Melbourne in partnership with a friend. After selling out she took off round Australia with her nephew and niece, picking up work wherever she could e.g. in the prawning industry, grape picking etc.
Her connection with Raymond Island first eventuated when she holidayed here with a friend from Sale. She vowed that because of the mossies she would never return. But she did, eventually settling here about 25 years ago.
Although still mad keen on golf, she got talked into having a go at bowls and first joined at Paynesville in about 1991. Elsie says she loves bowls, more because of the social interaction rather than the competition. She has made the honour board a couple of times, teaming up with Liz Anderson, Jean Thompson, and Kath Holland to win the Club 4’s in 1995, and then winning the Minor Singles in 1999.Elsie remembers her most embarrassing moment in bowls being when she was told off for not wearing a hat on the green.
Elsie remembers her grandad, who was a jockey, telling her about his father who worked at Mitchell Cement Works. The boss of the works was the father of Dame Nellie Melba (Mitchell). When asked by his family if he had had a chance to speak to Nellie, Elsie’s great grandad replied that he was not even allowed to look at her, let alone speak to her.
Elsie often refers very lovingly to her father who she looked after for several years. He used to call her “girlie”. He had played cricket for Richmond, and was Richmond mad as far as football was concerned. He loved anything to do with sport, which obviously rubbed off on Elsie. It is interesting though that Elsie was the only one of the eight children that played sport to any extent.
I am sure there are many more interesting stories and escapades that Elsie can tell, but this is all I could squeeze from her on this occasion.
I will conclude with Elsie’s own words, “I’ve led a fairly simple life really. I’m not used to the flash stuff, but I have loved everything I’ve done.”
We love you too Elsie, and to use your favourite expression,

                             “Thanks Luvvy!”
Elsie's photos  pdf
Elsie passed away in 2009
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Elsie's photos  pdf
Island Identities