What is the Question - June

For June’s What is the Question, Roland caught up with community builder Paula Nicholson.

What is your name?

Paula Nicholson

What is your occupation?

Community builder

What brought you to Ballarat?

My husband Richard and I returned to Ballarat in 1996 to purchase the family building business which we continue to run. Richard had grown up here and I had been to senior school here at Ballarat Clarendon College; and yes, we met at school!

What is your earliest memory?

Sitting at the dining table with my family at the family farm. My grandfather used to drink black tea with sugar, and he would let me sip his tea from a teaspoon once cool enough. I think I loved the feeling of being included in the adult afternoon tea ceremony (I was the oldest child), and that wonderful sense of calm that can surround coming together over a meal. Of course, I still love food and the importance of sitting down together as family and friends and all the good things that come out of meal time conversations!

What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

Probably following my then husband-to-be (now husband) to Singapore as he followed his career as an Engineer. Coming out of university as a civil engineer in the early 90s during the recession, meant that local opportunities for work were few and far between, so he bravely set out for Singapore and door knocked until he secured work over there. Already having a good job myself, which I let go, I followed him and did manage to get work in Singapore where we lived for a couple of years before returning to a revitalised Victoria in 1994. I had always imagined working overseas but not necessarily at that stage or location, so it was a bit of a gamble, but it paid off!

What is the best decision ever you have made?

To marry Richard!

What is the greatest love of your life – apart from friends and family?

Music – performance and admiration for!

If you could ask your pet one question, what would it be?

Where do you go when I let you outside? (Cat of course).

What would you change if you could edit your past?

I would’ve visited my Grandma on the day before she died, as I had the opportunity to do so, but chose to wait until the next day, which of course was too late. She wasn’t ill so I didn’t see the urgency, but it has helped me to understand that we all need to seize the day!

What or who inspires you?

People who follow their dreams and create a successful career based around their passion/s.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Any destination that involves learning about history and culture really

What music and television do you like?

I love jazz, singing and listening to it, but any genre really, it depends on my mood. In terms of TV, my favourites are short series with some semblance of truth, or something based on a classic novel, again something that provides learning about time and place.

What qualities do you admire in other people?

The ability to always look for the best in others and bring out the best also.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a doctor or a super successful performer.

What scares you?

The thought of something tragic happening to one of my children.

What historical calamity would you choose to reverse?

9/11 twin towers disaster, because it was the day one of my daughters was born and it was a scary day to have a baby.

What do you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?

Take a few more risks.

What is the best parenting advice you could give?

It will be the toughest and most rewarding job ever, all at once. You just need a lot of energy to keep up!