For thirty years, Karen has called Hervey Bay home. Her journey through the years has been one marked by change, challenges, and a deep sense of community. When she arrived, Hervey Bay was a place of simplicity, with no traffic lights gracing its streets, a stark contrast to Karen's previous residence in Castle Hill, New South Wales. The catalyst for her move was a divorce and family; Karen's parents were drawn to Hervey Bay, prompting her to follow suit after she helped them in selling their Sydney house.
Born in Richmond in Melbourne, Karen's ties to her birth town and to Sydney are strong.
Karen's younger years in Melbourne were happy ones, but it's here in Hervey Bay that her children grew up, creating a deep-rooted connection to the city. Before embracing Hervey Bay, Karen spent two decades working in real estate administration in a one-girl office, a job that entailed a wide range of responsibilities, from managing contracts to orchestrating open houses. She has also worked as a party planner and looked after ticket sales at Village Roadshow. At one point, she held down three jobs at once, which is almost unheard of today.
While Karen's journey includes a marriage that ended in divorce, she gained strength from the challenges she faced as a single parent, ensuring her children's well-being remained at the forefront. The sudden loss of her mother in 2003 was another poignant chapter in Karen's life, a reminder of the fragility of time. Now at sixty-seven years old, she reflects on her experiences with a sense of wisdom and gratitude.
Karen threw herself into the Hervey Bay community, and it has become a central pillar of her life. From her early days volunteering at the Hervey Bay Information Centre to her involvement with Bay Connect (for close to twenty years), and the Urangan Community Centre, she has enjoyed giving back. The Arts Council and the Torquay Progress Association have also benefited from her time and dedication, showing her love for community work.
Running the Torquay Beachside Markets for over a decade, Karen has been a familiar face on the local scene, and she loves the fact that all proceeds from the markets go back into the community. To Karen, the Hervey Bay community isn't just a collection of individuals; it's an extended family, a sentiment that fuels her enthusiasm for engaging with marketgoers and embracing the camaraderie that flourishes within the community.
Karen also loves to travel with her family and explore new horizons. Earlier this year, she visited Las Vegas and is looking forward to a Disney cruise coming up in December. Next year she will be off to Hawaii.
Over the decades, Karen has been blessed with good health but now needs a hip replacement. But even with this impending change, her spirit remains undiminished. Her creativity flourishes in her love for crafting, particularly card making and creating intricate Hawaiian Leis. Amidst her hobbies, she finds time to indulge in a bit of reality TV and enjoys shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race.
For Karen, Hervey Bay has proven to be more than just a geographic location; it has become a rich tapestry woven with personal growth, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging. Her story teaches us the importance of community engagement, the beauty of family connections, and the resilience to adapt to life's transitions. Through her journey, she underscores the value of embracing change, giving back, and cherishing every moment along the way.
By Kim Parnell
From What’s On Fraser Coast
