When I was growing up, I was fascinated by the stories shared by my grandparents. I vividly recall sitting on my Gramps’ knee and hearing compelling tales of his many adventures. His fishing trips, his love of gardening, and his pride and deep affection towards his family. I would look up at his collection of empty beer cans (he had collected and proudly displayed from all over Australia) and wondered about the stories that were shared around a table or campfire light at the time they were consumed.

This fascination with storytelling continued as I grew up, nurturing my passion for writing and sharing stories. However, there were hard-earned lessons I was yet to endure. My father passed away suddenly, and, alongside my grief, I was overwhelmed with the realisation that I had never took the time to record his story. I hadn’t asked him about his favourite memories in childhood. I never enquired about what he wanted to be when he grew up. I didn’t know what he thought the first time he held me in his arms. I missed the opportunity to ask what he wished for his children and grandchildren. I didn’t think I would run out of time.

This experience fuelled my passion for preserving the stories of incredible people in our community. Every story is as unique as our fingerprint. It is an honour to practice the art of truly listening and validating the lived experience of our elders for generations to cherish.

I am deeply honoured by the opportunity to work with you and your family to record your and your loved one’s life story to be held in perpetuity.