EVERYDAY PEOPLE - Aimee Frohloff - Happiness is a choice

AIMEE Frohloff was born in Murwillumbah, Northern New South Wales, and grew up in Nanango with her sister. Her childhood was filled with outdoor adventures, from swimming in creeks to exploring the bush. With limited entertainment options, Aimee and her friends often created their own fun, whether finding waterholes to cool off in or simply hanging out at the park. 

Academically, Aimee did well, finding most subjects easy, though she admits she was often chatty. One of her fond memories from that time was driving bush bashers through the back paddock. Her first official car was a 3-cylinder Daihatsu Charade, the little buzz box struggled up hills and she was often overtaken.  

Aimee's first job was as a checkout chick at Foodworks, the local supermarket in her hometown. She enjoyed interacting with customers so much that she stayed there for seven years before moving to Hervey Bay, where she worked another seven years at Coles. During this time, she also balanced a job at a fast-food shop.  

When her children were young, Aimee transitioned into education, taking on the role of a teacher’s aide. She worked briefly at Kuwungan before joining St James, where she has been a dedicated teacher’s aide for the past twelve years. Her passion for education inspired her to pursue a teaching degree, which she currently studies part-time at university. With four years left in her studies, Aimee is eager to become a Health and Physical Education (HPE) and mathematics teacher.  

Aimee says, “You can do the sums in different ways, but you will always get the same answer. I find the subject straightforward and non-subjective which is pretty cool.”  

Aimee's family life is equally fulfilling. She has been married to her husband Chris, for twenty-two years. The pair met in high school, and their relationship has grown into a strong and supportive partnership. Together, they have two gorgeous teenage sons. Although Aimee once envisioned herself as a "dancing mum," she finds joy in being a "motorbike mum," and riding is another family favourite, with Aimee herself riding a CRF150 dirt bike that suits her just fine, even if she can’t quite keep up with the boys. 

Recently, Aimee embarked on a new adventure by participating in her first Dunga Derby, an event she joined to help local families in need and have fun. As part of #Car 23, aptly named "Just Re Luxin," Aimee and her team visited exciting places, met wonderful people, and contributed to raising funds for the charity’s 10th Dunga Derby by Rally for a Cause. 

Aimee loves the outdoors and is passionate about fitness, she enjoys running with the ‘Run with Rob’ crew, who also raise money for charity. Her active lifestyle includes spearfishing, snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, often aboard the family’s 6.6-meter smuggler boat.  

Travel is another one of Aimee and Chris’s shared passions. They have explored Western Australia and are planning a motorbike trip to Cape York. Last year, the family took twelve weeks off to travel to the Northern Territory, where they hiked, explored Kakadu, and ventured through the Kimberly with future trips to the West Coast of Western Australia and Tasmania, on the horizon. 

Aimee’s life is full of activity and joy, whether it’s renovating their third house, spending time with their rescue dog Nash, or diving into a good book. An avid reader, she is currently engrossed in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series and enjoys the thrill of a Stephen King novel, particularly Misery. Aimee is also a huge Adam Sandler fan and will watch anything he stars in. 

Despite all her studying, working and adventures, Aimee remains humble, finding it uncomfortable to talk about herself. Her mantra, "Happiness is a choice," reflects her positive outlook on life, one that is clearly filled with love and a deep appreciation for the beauty around her. 

By Kim Parnell  

From What’s On Fraser Coast