Care & Compassion

“Hello, my name is Gail and I have the pleasure of volunteering at Chamberlain Gardens.

I was born in the Hunter Valley, but my parents moved to the Central Coast when I was quite young.  At that time there were very few houses and it was a great place to grow up. The lake was quite close by and we were able to spend our relaxation time fishing which we all enjoyed.

Both of my parents passed away at relatively young age, I was only 26 at the time.

I married and have two children, a son and a daughter. They both live near where I grew up.

We had a shop called “Munchies” at Budgewoi, where we sold fresh seafood and take away food. We sold the shop three years later so that the children could have a more stable lifestyle.

My husband was an electrician and I often helped him with his work. Unfortunately, he passed away and I went on to raise my children.

When the children got older, I got a job at a lighting store where street and home lighting was made. I enjoyed my work and stayed there for twenty-five years until the company completely closed down.

My partner of twenty years and I now enjoy our three grandsons and we also have a little dog called Millie who has to always be the centre of attention.

I have been a volunteer at Chamberlain Gardens for nearly two years now and I really enjoy it. The residents simply enrich my life and I hope to be able to continue for a long time to come.”