AUSTRALIA Day has special meaning for retired registered nurse Heather Addison, who immigrated to Perth from the UK like thousands of others before her.
But unlike most, Ms Addison did not arrive as a child or a young adult but as a senior, having just celebrated her 70th birthday before touching down in Perth in 2007, where she was met by her three children who had already made the move with their families.
Since making her home in Perth’s northern suburbs – a far cry from her small hometown just outside Edinburgh in Scotland – Ms Addison admits she has loved every minute of her new life in Australia.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“I love that people aren’t as formal as they are back in the UK and in fact are much friendlier in many ways,” the 82-year-old Mercy Place Edgewater resident said.
“Plus the weather is a joy for most of the year.”
Just before her arrival in Perth Ms Addison suffered a major stroke, which left her paralysed down her left-hand side.
But after being introduced to a research project by a clinical psychologist through Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, she became a founding member of a stroke support group that meets every week at the hospital.
“I love living in Australia and I really think you get what you give in life, which has really been borne out by the support I have received myself since helping to found the stroke support group,” Ms Addison said.
“Australia is often called the young country but I have found it to be a wonderful place to live as an older person too.”Mercy Place Edgewater service manager Alison Devonport, who was born in England, said they had a rich cultural diversity with many staff members and residents having moved to Australia from overseas.
“I think we’re all very excited about celebrating Australia Day,” she said.
“Our lifestyle staff have planned some great events on the day, including a traditional Aussie barbecue.”
Outdoor lifestyle attracts UK family to Perth
Hundreds expected at Joondalup Australia Day citizenship ceremony
Dream come true for new citizens
