At first impression, Elena seems very shy. But once you get to know her, it becomes apparent that her life is full of cherished memories. The black photo album on the table in the living room at Rathdowne Place contains photos from Elena’s life taken in her home town in Italy and here in Australia […]
There’s a very good reason why Tina Colautti keeps a picture of her long time boss, Sydney Valentine Lunch, on the wall of her room. He’s the man that she credits with changing her life. Tina Colautti was born in March 1925, in Friuli, Udine, Northern Italy. This is where her family would live for […]
Edel Wignell’s room at Rathdowne Place says a lot about her personality. A tastefully decorated room full of light, with a well-ordered desk and a laptop reflects Edel’s own warmth and the centrality of creative work to her life. Edel has had a life full of adventure and achievement – it was hard to know […]
Judith smiled when I asked her if she had ever taken a selfie. She said no, but then smiled, glowing, as we took a snap. While she’s never taken a selfie, Judith has achieved so much in her life. Her experiences from boarding school, through to working as an office clerk, running a farm and […]
Growing up in Gippsland, all Janet Mendonca ever wanted to do was travel. So as soon as she finished her training as an occupational therapist, she went on the trip of a lifetime. Planned as the ultimate adventure, a trip to visit her brother in Sri Lanka changed her whole life. “I never described myself […]
Rosa is a hopeless romantic. She is also a strong woman who was ahead of her time and believed in no rules but love. After running away from her family to be with her boyfriend (now husband) Giovanni, Rosa made the move to Australia at 19, where she embarked on a new life with her […]
Luigi starts our conversation by singing an opera. His voice shows a passionate man, a believer in love, working hard and laughing through difficult times. He shared his lifelong experiences, from his youth in Sicily, to his new life in Australia. Singing has helped Luigi throughout his life, both to share his joy and even […]
Jenny Smit is a cat lover, a self-confessed perfectionist and a lady of many talents. Throughout her life she has been dedicated to the care and love of children, both as a mother and a carer of others. Jenny’s kindness and thoughtfulness continues today, through her assistance of residents at Rathdowne Place. Entering her warm, […]
It doesn’t take long after meeting Antonia Scungio to realise that she loves her family unconditionally. She has created a warm and homely space at Rathdowne Place with walls covered in family photographs and keepsakes neatly placed around the apartment. As I enter the cosy apartment on the third floor at Rathdowne Place, a woman […]
Watch the full interview here!
Watch the full video-interview here!
Watch the full video-interview here!