Rita Treka

[Bob Pacey]

Just recieved some sad news Rita Treka a wondrful local poet passed away on Saturday after a battle with cancer.

Rita was not only a talented poet and a fantastic performer but held classes for kids and other cancer sufferers in how to recycle pre loved clothing into useful objects " Garbo Chapeau " she called it.

The favourite vest I wear when I perform was made by Rita. I can still see Rita performing one of her favourite poems about the problems we have with wandering cats called " Does Your Pussy Go A Roaming ".


After I talk to her daughter I will see if I can post a copy on the site.

Rita touched many lives despite her own troubles and will leave a big hole in all our lives.

Bob


RITA Treka has always loved to recycle, and when she battled cancer last year she used her artistic flair to help her through.

The Rockhampton woman has a talent for turning something old and unwanted into something beautiful.

Just like her stunning earrings which you would never guess were made from the bottoms of plastic water bottles.

Yesterday Rita was thrilled to travel to Brisbane to drop some of her handmade earrings off to an exhibition titled Reverse Garbage.

Her work will also be displayed at the Mill Gallery in Yeppoon throughout June.

Rita was diagnosed with breast cancer about a year ago.

She said she was now in remission after receiving chemotherapy.

During her treatment she said she was encouraged to walk to help with her recovery, so she would often scour the riverbank.

Along the way she collected feathers and transformed them into a head piece which she entered into the Victorian Cancer Council's Lost and Found competition for cancer patients.

Rita said she got involved with wearable art and recycling because she liked saving money.

“I also like to use things I can find around and recycle them. I like to keep busy,” she said.

She also held a lot of workshops at Rockhampton schools teaching kids how to recycle before she became ill.

Rita said she hoped to get back into holding workshops in the near future.

[Heather]

Sounds like one amazing woman Bob. It must have been a privilege to know her.

Heather

[Bob Pacey]

Going to take a lot to come to terms with not having her around. As you can see by her dress Rita was what you might call " Out There " but was a wonderful person.

I first saw her at the local finals of the state poetry slam about four years and sadi to myself " I have to meet that lady .

We did many poetry shows together over the years.

Bob

Type in Rita Treka to your search mechanism and it will show some of the things she did.

[Maureen K Clifford]

Love her poem - Do birds mourn for lost feathers? No they probably don't but people mourn for lost friends. She seems to have had an amazing attitude to life and was a colourful and beautiful woman Bob one who will be sorely missed obviously.

Always sad when the fight is lost - please give our regards to her family...Reckon Rita will be flying around up there in her borrowed feathers looking 'absolutely fabulous Daaahlings'

[Bob Pacey]

Thanks for the comments and support Heather and Maureen, Rita was never afraid to dress as she wanted and had the style and grace and personality to carry it off.


I used to collect plastic drink bottles so she could make earings out of the bottoms. Never wasted anything and the teenagers loved them.

You can just make out some of her creations on the board in her picture.

Bob

[Kym]

Rita was a very special lady. She never said a mean word about anyone and always full of fun. As Bob says, she dressed however she wanted which resulted in her always standing out from the crowd. A little bit crazy? Yup. A little bit cooky? Yup. But such a lovely, lovely lady and very unique! . Would do anything for anyone. I always thought she'd made a good fairy - she was such a tiny lady with masses of blonde wavy/curly hair and a cute little face. It's sad news, but not unexpected. She'll be up in Heaven redressing the angels into bright colours and bling!