Committee For Lorne: Community Profile - May 10, 2018

Yallourn born and educated, Jennifer trained as a nurse at what is now known as The Western General Hospital. She returned home three years later to work at the local hospital – her goal, to save money to be able to travel.

She worked in the UK for two years, enjoying regular trips to Europe. During this time, a relationship developed with a fellow nurse. “Every time I would come back, Alan he would be waiting for me. Alan was from Mauritius and I had a single ticket home”. They married in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne the day before she boarded the ship because regulations required Alan to remain in UK until his visa was processed. It was six months before he received the documents and able to join his new wife.

Jennifer and Alan set up home in Melbourne. She worked at Mount Royal Hospital and Alan at The Royal Park Psychiatric Centre. Three years later in 1974, they moved to Bendigo where Jennifer worked in a Vision Australia Foundation Nursing Home and Alan nursed at the Bendigo Psychiatric Centre. At the nursing home, Jennifer developed a keen interest in dementia and learned modern techniques for nursing her patients. “It’s about honour and respect and what is called validation. I was able to make a difference.”

It was during this time that Jennifer attended a local retreat exploring the meaning of humanity. She was deeply affected. Later she enjoyed visits to Springwood in Lorne and introduced Alan to the community. On one visit in 1998, they bought an old house in need of major work. Their idea was it could eventually be part of a seachange or even retirement. While this was in the planning, they renovated the property and rented it out for five years. By now, they had three children. In 2003, after 27 happy years in Bendigo they moved to Lorne to begin their dream retirement. Sadly, Alan died after just 15 months.

For the next four years Jennifer grieved and searched for direction. She found it in books. “The written word is just so wonderful. I found solace in the poetry of Rumi and classical music. I began a new life of understanding. Every year I go on a retreat to reawaken my passion for life.

“Lorne is a beautiful place and an embracing community. I am an active member of the Bowling Club, I help at the Op Shop, am a member of the Church, I love volunteering at the Nursing Home and do exercises at Senior Citizens and at the pool. So far I have had an amazing life”.