In loving memory

It’s very important to me to help out other showgirls whenever possible so, when I received an SOS from a sister showgirl, I was there in a flash.

I received a message from Doreen Manganini, and yes, I know we have had our differences, but a couple of years ago over a vodka or two we decided that being bitter and twisted with each other just gave us more wrinkles and wasted our Botox money, so all was settled.

Dor recently lost her partner of over two years, Nathan. His sudden death turned Doreen’s life upside down.

Maxi, can you do something for me? Let the community know they have been amazing with their support.

I went around to visit Dor for a stiff drink and to make sure she was okay.

People who know Doreen Manganini know she isn’t someone you mess with. With the strength of an ox, she owns anywhere she goes. Nothing fazes the old girl, who will drop into a number any chance she gets. But the person who opened the door for me wasn’t the same person I had known for years -“ she had truly lost a part of herself.

We sat for many hours as Dor showed me pictures, told stories, and every now and again you would see the old Dor come to the surface, as she would retell a story of some adventure Nathan and she had had. It was truly an odd couple story -“ Nathan the decorated policeman and Dor the wisecracking showgirl -“ but it seemed to work perfectly. Nathan would accompany Dor to and from work, slip in for a bevvie every so often, but he was happy to watch, poke the odd face, and make a dash as soon as Dor had finished her number, Hurt So Good.

Gone were the days of getting pissed as a nit, staying out all night. They were happy to toddle home and dance around to some of the music Nathan loved or Doreen would take Nathan dinner to the police station when he was working.

Doreen would like to thank all the community members who have sent their condolences to her and his family in this terrible time. She would like to give a huge thank you and say she is slowly carrying on, with the help of their love. She also wishes to thank Quakers Hill police station who have been there for her, no matter what.

It has taken me many weeks to write this article, as I found it very difficult to try to capture the sadness and love that Dor expresses whenever she speaks about her partner Nathan.

We are all thinking of you, Dor.