Medowie residents join together to share stories FEATURED Medowie, Ferodale, Campvale by News Of The Area - Modern Media - May 23, 2017 Coralie Mather, Geswalda de Gabriele, Joan Muir, Jan Noake, Francess Zahra, Mark Tipper and Connie Beaumont sharing their passion for Medowie. A MORNING of good food, new friendships and memories was had when new Medowie residents Francess Zahra and Mark Tipper hosted a group of passionate Medowie history buffs over a high tea. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE In attendance with Francess and Mark were Coralie Mather, Joan Muir, Geswalda de Gabriele and original Wirreanda Public School teachers Connie Beaumont and Jan Noake. Connie Beaumont first taught at Stroud Public School, and moved to Medowie in 1983. She began teaching at Wirreanda Public School in its founding year. Her husband, Ray Beaumont, was the Irrawang High School Principal from 1983-1995. Connie told News Of The Area, “We used to ride around Medowie on our bikes long before we moved here, and wished that we could live here.” “I’m so glad we made that happen, because we love this town.” Joan Muir and her late husband Ken moved to Medowie in 1954 and 1947 respectively. Joan was able to share many fascinating stories of Medowie, including her memories of opening one of the first shops on Medowie Road. “The relaxing atmosphere and lovely people make Medowie such a lovely community to be a part of.” “It was so lovely being able to raise my family here,” she told News Of The Area. Coralie Mather, who moved to Medowie to retire with her husband after buying land in 1973 and building a home, impressed the group with her sharp memory at 94 years of age. Coralie’s husband, Air Commodore Mick Mather, held a head position at Williamtown RAAF base from 1970-1973. He was a pilot, and was awarded the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross), AE (Air Efficiency) and the AFC (Air Force Cross) medals. His DFC Medal was awarded for displaying ‘great daring and courage against the German Luftwaffe in the second World War. They had three children, and their daughter Robyn Mather is a local Veterinarian. She told News Of The Area, “We were excited to move to Medowie and have space!” “We were married at 20 and lived on RAAF bases for so many years, we were used to small spaces, so looked forward to retirement and not living in a box.” Also in attendance was the sweet and softly spoken Geswalda de Gabriele who migrated from England, and moved to Medowie in 1972. Discussions are now being had about forming an official Medowie Historical Society. By Rachael VAUGHAN
Facinating to read of people’s memories, unfortunately we moved to Medowie in 1953 and for a long time were regarded as the ‘bloody new Australians’. we were not very well accepted even though the community was multicultural and we were encouraged to assimilate. As children we heard these comments, and looking back there were no photos of our parents attending any functions held in the community. school photos that we saw later were never aquired by our parents and one has to ask why this was. Despite all these conditions, we looked on Medowie as a benevolent place, we were educated and flourished as children and made lifelong friends as only kids can do. Our parents endured all these things because the felt FREE!! We lived on Grahamstown Rd, and half our property was acquired by the water board. for the dam We were the Bazalej family and my parent’s names were Ivan and Vera, Victor, Anna , Nina, and Valerie. We moved to Raymond Terrace in 1963 Reply
