Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
A few years ago, I discovered that I am the great-great-granddaughter of a convict sent to Tasmania after being accused of stealing two sheets and two tablecloths. I was so intrigued by this that I wrote about her and this was included in the book ‘Convicts Lives at the Cascades Female Factory: Volume 2’.
What did you love the most about your job?
Before retiring, I was the Uniting Church minister in Lakes Entrance and later in Sale, in Gippsland.
I loved living in that beautiful part of Victoria, getting to know the people in my congregations and in those two towns, hearing their life stories and being part of those communities.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
I think I would be a cat – provided I had a good family to live with. That way, I would have a warm place to live, laps to sit (when I wanted to), a degree of independence, food on demand and would give, and receive, affection.
What would your last meal be?
I would like my last meal to be a Chai Latte with a white chocolate and raspberry muffin. At that point I wouldn’t be concerned about a balanced diet and could enjoy something without thinking about the
effects on the waistline.
What was your most memorable moment
My most memorable moment happened recently when I was sitting in the Catholic Cathedral in Rouen, France and taking part in the Masswhich included Holy Communion. While sitting there, I recalled how my
French ancestors had fled France during the persecution of Huguenots in the late 1500s – and there I was, sitting in perfect safety, thanks to them.
What were you like as a kid?
I was quiet, shy and tried not to be noticed. My favourite thing was to ‘help’ my Dad in his workshop, the garden or with whatever he was doing.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
I would like to witness people, including governments, working together for the good of humanity and the environment. I despair at how self-focused people are becoming with seemingly little thought for others
or for the future.
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
I would like to dine with Ernie Dingo, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Billy Connolly, Queen Elizabeth, Charles Darwin and St Francis of Assisi.
What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?
I am currently watching the FIFA Women’s World Cup and reading British murder mysteries. I had never been very interested in watching sporting events but, having been introduced to the World Cup – and recently attending a game – I am in awe of the players’ skills and endurance. British murder mysteries are a bit of escapism and brain stretching trying to work out ‘who did it’.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
I hope they would say – reliable, dependable and willing to give most things a go.
What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?
A perfect day off would begin by waking up slowly and realising that there is nothing that I have to do that day. From there it would probably be about the garden – either working in it, visiting a nursery (preferably
with a café attached) or reading a book in it and later walking our dog.
Where is your happy place?
My happy place is being close to nature with those I love.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
I think I would cook spanakopita. It is an all-round great dish as it contains vegetables, pastry and good cheeses but also requires patience and skill to get it just right.
Where is your dream holiday destination?
My dream holiday destination is a small cabin surrounded by bush on the edge of Cradle Mountain National Park in Tasmania. It has a slow combustion fire, native animals at the doorstep, great walking trails and is close to good restaurants.
