Post Cards from the Edge

My Postcard from RAAF Richmond

October 1995

Our posting to RAAF Richmond was interesting not only because it was our first posting as a family.

It was also the first removal I had ever done (with three kids under four!) Steep learning curve!

But this time, in Sydney, was the source of my passion for Community Centre’s importance and Defence Community networks maintenance. Being a brand newbie ADF spouse stuck in the Western suburbs of Penrith, with no car, no money, no DCO phone call, I had NO IDEA!!!! I got so depressed I cut off all my hair (which was nearly long enough to sit on) and then felt even worse afterwards!!

Mount Wilson, Kookaburra Picnic

We were accommodated in “The Colonial Motel” in Richmond. Richmond itself is rather lovely, I have especially fond happy memories of learning patchwork for the first time, from a wonderful patchwork guru, called Bev. Who’s sister, Di another patchwork genius owned and operated Di’s Country Patchwork Cottage.

Jasper & Chester

I know going to those classes and meeting the other ladies with a passion in common, was one of the things that stopped me going over the edge. I now voluntarily teach patchwork for that exact same reason, so that people can come together and encourage each other in friendly forum and make friendships and network. Having a laugh and gas bag is important for the psyche J

The Botanic gardens were the nicest thing about Sydney

The Colonial was a nightmare. It was one for room for five of us, with no hot water or bath except in the shower. No cooking facilities, the beds and curtains were from when it opened in the 60’s. Washing cost $2 a load back then, and what’s even worse, was we were there for four weeks. There was no housing in Richmond, Windsor etc etc One on a corner in a hell hole in Bligh Park. Eventually we got to look at a massive place, white flooring from front to back door, with intermittent light grey carpet, just for fun. Vertical blinds – nnnnnnoooo! Huge garden which was magic (very hard work in Sydney clay and drought) but perfect for our 3 gremlins and Jack Russell - Zig Zag.

Christopher had to take the car each day on the 40 minute commute to the base. If it was a hot one, I would go really early in the morning, so we could drive back to pick him up in the afternoon, and use the lovely RAAF Richmond pools. The Pool was a wonderful highlight of the base for us with a young family, we just wished we lived closer.

Fires were the norm, people just turned on their lights and sped up! I had never seen them like this before!

One day I was getting some supplies with the Ward Bros at the local Mt Pleasant shops, three of them crammed in the two seater to try containment theory & stop little fingers in the supermarket. A beautiful lady approaches me with a big smile. I haven’t met anyone yet, and its been a month since we moved into our new home. Her name is Natalie, and did I know there was a Neighbourhood Centre over the back? “No” I reply “What is a Neighbourhood Centre?” And the rest as they say, is history. Natalie who was the wonderful centre coordinator and Pat Curry a retired social worker who volunteered her time as Chairperson of the NHC taught me so much, it was wonderful. And my kids got to enjoy some time at the playgroup. Also Natalie started a “Women Coming Together” group with free childminding, an eclectic collection of ladies went along, and some of us became great friends. It was the first time I had been to such a thing and it really inspired me.

I am still friends after ten years with Kerrey, who’s family have a built a beautiful home, themselves, on a semi rural plot in Cranebrook. It was wonderful to have formed such a friendship that has survived nine address changes and seven children!

Socially base wise things were very quiet. But I do remember attending a couple of fun family nights at the O’s Mess, it was a lovely change to have the family encouraged along to use the facilities. Plus Richmond’s mess is very beautiful, and should be put to good use!

The combined ball with the yanks on base, plateau at 1000 people, the dinner came out at midnight! It was the first time I had seen American military mess kits too. They were very impressive, in fact I like their uniforms too. Ours are just a bit too dull and boring. A few extra badges and medals, and insignia that show your category are good for morale! Plus they look real good!

Millstream Chichester National Park

Once I got to know the local ladies I didn’t care I didn’t have a car. And it was lovely to explore the Blue Mountains on the weekends. Most Sundays we would head off on one of the magnificent bush walks in the mountains. It was a very magic time in our memories.

From Richmond we were posted to RAAF Pearce, in Bullsbrook, Swan Valley, Western Australia. This was a special time for us as we are both sandgropers, and all our family is in Perth. It was great the boys got to meet their grandparents, and we had Christmas together J

Driving to Perth rest stop at Shell Beach

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