My South Side Story: Paula Castle

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I feel blessed to say that I live in Gordonvale with my amazing family.

I emigrated from England back in 1992 where I rented a unit in Manunda Cairns. An opportunity presented itself to get into the housing market where I built a house in the Cairns South area for a ridiculous low amount. Looking back now you could not build a garden shed for that amount of money.

In saying that, during that period the interest rates were incredibly high, all my wage would go on the mortgage repayments. Thank goodness for some very kind people in my life, as they kept me afloat by bringing me food hampers.

That period of my life has influenced me greatly to become the person that I am today. I think because of the support of those people, I feel so passionate about passing it forward. My role working at Playgroup Queensland has enabled me to help others with young children and make a difference in their lives whether that be connecting them with others who are at a similar stage in their lives. Helping them link into other services where I cannot help or just being an ear to listen. I love being able to connect families together and support others that need a helping hand. Hence being so determined about supporting playgroup, creating the food pantry service, and creating the Start Healthy Program for parents with children.

My husband and two teenage boys are all the family I have here. I understand what it is like to like in a country with no extended family. My friends and the people in my community have filled that void and become my family.

We choose to live in Gordonvale now after ten years or so moving for my husband’s work. We moved around Queensland when the boys were small and lived in places where I knew not a soul. Playgroups were the place that other parents wrapped their welcoming arms around us and made us feel part of that community.

My time living on Thursday Island opened my eyes to new possibilities. I joined the Auxiliary Fire Service to give back to the community that had given so much to me. I expanded my horizons gaining my boat and truck licenses. My connections to the island are still very strong and it is a place we visit at any opportunity.

The community feel in Gordonvale is one that makes us stay. It took a while to get used to the smell of the mill, but one I rarely notice now. We chose Gordonvale to be away from the hustle and bustle of Cairns. Even though the Southern corridor is growing, I feel the strong community connections are strong enough in this magical little town for it to keep its village feel. I love to hike the Pyramid, cycle through the cane fields towards Aloomba, brave the cane crossings, praying one doesn’t take me down on my road bike. A life so vastly different to growing up but one I feel blessed living today.