Leonie Dowell is the fantastic flurry of activity who is leading the charge into the Boomerang Bag takeover of the Great Lakes, but how did she get here?
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For Leonie and her husband, as with many others, it was instant love when they laid eyes on the town for the first time.
“The Great Lakes captivated us in 2011 when we camped for two weeks celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary,” she said.
“The weather was picture perfect, the Great Lakes showed off in true style.
“We knew then that our sea change was going to be Forster as soon as our three sons had all moved out of home.”
As Leonie is still a fervent fan of her previous hometown Sydney, with wonderful friends and family who she visits regularly, the question arises, why did Leonie move?
“Every day living in Forster is a much slower pace, more relaxed, less people and cars,” Leonie explained.
“We are spoilt here in Forster Tuncurry with a plethora of beautiful uncrowded beaches and waterways.”
Despite being drawn to the relaxed pace of the Great Lakes, Leonie hasn’t slowed down one bit since arriving, loving an active lifestyle and a vast collection of hobbies to keep her busy.
“My enjoyment of running is further enhanced by running with views of the lake, break walls and ocean,” she said.
“Kayaking and boating the lakes are also great drawcards, but the best activity I've become involved in is golfing. With two lovely courses on our doorstep it was a no-brainer.
“It has also led us to meeting and making new friends in the area,” she added.
“In Sydney I taught sewing for 18 years in an evening college and also sewed professionally. I now make denim bags for gifts as well from pre-loved jeans.
“My involvement in Boomerang bags came about due to my love of sewing.”
Although she doesn’t have a lot of free time, Leonie never fails to appreciate the beauty that surrounds her, and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, especially with a few special surprises coming her way in the new year.
“The Great Lakes is such a special place, so our visitors are frequent which we really love,” she said.
“In 2018 our family numbers will grow by two with the arrival in February then May of our first grand babies!”