Women’s Stories

Women’s Stories

Where We Belong
- Dot Gillis
Dorothy hated camping but loved the Lake. It seemed it was her destiny to become part of the community around the Lake.

a Child’s Own Adventureland
- Wendy Wilson
As a place for raising children, Oak Flats was a perfect adventureland.

Batchy
- Maree Batcheldor
A tribute to Maree’s husband Bob. A love story that blossomed and
matured on the shores of the Lake and in the community at Oak Flats.

Lace
- Pat Hesse
Edith was a woman of practical politics, for the sake of her family

My man in long Trousers
- joan dent
A tribute to Joan’s man in long trousers and the life they shared around Lake Illawarra.

Picturing Place
- Julie McCurry
Julie’s art allows her to see, to remember and to find a way to belong to a place.

Ray
- Vera clack
The second world war had its effect on Vera and her husband Ray. Vera found her refuge in Oak Flats.

Child of the Southerly Buster
- Aileen Dennis
Aileen’s life and loves, her character and achievements show that she is a child of the southerly buster.

When I Fall in Love
- Marge Hyde
Oak Flats: a place for swimming, sailing, dancing and, of course, falling in love.

FROM CONFLICT TO PEACE
- Susan Russell
For a family who had experienced war and conflict, Lake Illawarra became a haven of relaxation.

Fun along the Way
- Christine Okoniowski
Christine and her family emigrated from Poland after the second world war. Despite being born with a dislocated hip Christine always “gets the job done” and has fun along the way.

Like My Skin
- Joan Hodge
Joan’s early memories of holidays at Lake illawarra are full of the sense of innocence and enjoyment that has stayed with her all her life.