Location: Mount Sheridan
My roots
I am from Kenya, Eastern part of Africa. I left Kenya in 2008 for South Africa for work and school for our oldest Child
We have 3 children, 2 boys and 1 girl.
I also have extended family in Nairobi, the Kenya capital, as well as in Brisbane. My family networks are large as they are deep.
My husband, has been working with the United Nations and has enjoyed many stations including Johannesburg office. The move to Johannesburg was strategic in that, we would move to Australia after the posting, to give our children a permanent base. While in South Africa, I continued to work in Public health specialising in healthy relationships with a diverse cohort.
We have often visited my husband family in Australia since 2004 and were drawn to the thought of bringing our family one day. We have never been disappointed.
We finally settled in Australia in 2011, coming from South Africa. Between visiting my sister-in-law in Gordonvale and mother-in-law in Edge Hill, choosing Mount Sheridan as our family home seemed a logical decision – equal distant from both. The location, area and the schools has continued to lead us into finding our routes in the communities of Mount Sheridan.
Leading on from work at Woree Primary School, where I was employed as a speech therapist, and gave me an excellent opportunity to engage with the rich ethnic communities of far north Queensland, I found work in the public health sector with the Queensland Health at the Tropical Public Health Unit working with an excellent team. I have since moved careers into Vocational Education Training after completing a Cert IV in Training and Assessment.
Community Involvement:
With the help of two friends I launched the Skills Appreciation Program – Maisha Bora.
The program was a stepping stone for Migrant and Refugees now settled in the Cairns area to showcase their skills as they navigate local services and job market. Importantly, it provided a platform for overcoming challenges as a newcomer in a new environment. The local authorities, community activists, Multicultural services and many more have been instrumental in making Maisha Bora a big success.
The program paved way for me to be elected as the Chair/President of the African Association here in Cairns and FNQ, where I am currently enjoying my second term in office.
What I Like about the south side:
I am so glad we settled on the South Side, it is a central location for us with friends and family. We find it convenient for schools and we enjoy all the available parks and nature walking trails. We have come to enjoy the community togetherness that is evident in all the corners of Mount Sheridan. We feel safe and embraced in our neighbourhood.