8 March 2023
Denyse Butcher, a resident at Regis Salisbury in Queensland, is a remarkable woman with a fascinating life story. She has been with Regis for eight months and has been enjoying her time there, engaging in activities such as reading, attending music concerts and making new friends. Despite leaving the racing world, she still has many friends from her racing days who keep in touch with her.
Denyse’s love for cars started when she was just 14 years old, and her upbringing with boys had a significant influence on her career choice. With her husband Allan, who was also a professional racing driver, she competed in various races and left a lasting impact in the racing world.
Denyse’s racing career spanned over 20 years and she was a regular competitor at Lismore Speedway. She started with Mini cars in the early days and then moved on to driving EH Holden and Monaro before finally driving Grand National cars (Corvettes). She and her husband were well-known figures at the circuit and competed in all the big sedan races, including the annual East Coast Grand National.
Denyse was not only versatile but also one of the most successful drivers to have raced at Lismore Showground Speedway. She also competed in pavement racing at Melbourne’s Calder high-banked circuit. She was one of the last drivers to win a sedan main event at the world-famous Sydney Showground, cementing her place as a true racing personality. She retired from racing at the age of 74 and now enjoys a peaceful life at Regis Salisbury, surrounded by friends and memories of her incredible racing career.
Denyse Butcher is a true inspiration and a shining example of how women can break through gender barriers and excel in male-dominated fields. Her story is a testament to the importance of pursuing your passions and living life to the fullest, no matter your age.
International Women’s Day is marked annually on March 8. It’s a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s also a time to reflect on women’s progress, to call for change and to celebrate the achievements of ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in their communities.
Regis offers a diverse range of care options including residential aged care, home care, retirement living, day therapy and day respite. Regis is one of the largest providers of aged care in Australia and cares for more than 7,000 residents each year.
