Judy Mullen didn’t have to travel a long way when she relocated to Hallidays Point just over a year ago, wandering across from Gloucester for a change of scenery.
But Judy was well acquainted with our beautiful beaches and community spirit long before this, having visited the area regularly throughout her life.
“I first came to Black Head Beach with my husband’s family,” she explained.
“His father and grandparents are from Fire Fly Creek, where they owned and ran a dairy farm from the early 1920s.
“They have been coming to Blackhead since then.”
Judy’s father-in-law, now 90 years old, made the trip to the beach regularly back when the preferred method of transport was a horse and sulky, with a packed picnic lunch.
“It took over three hours each way back then,” Judy added.
“His extended family still gather at Black Head Beach every Boxing Day and New Year’s day.”
Growing up in Newcastle, Judy was a regular visitor to the area, holidaying to Forster and camping at Elizabeth Beach. So what made her decide it was time to make the big move and become a Great Lakes local?
“My husband and I moved here to be closer to our workplaces,” she explained.
“It is much more convenient for us to live here than anywhere else.
“We still have a farm at Wallanbah, but having had a taste of coastal life and all of the wonderful things that this area has to offer, I think it would be hard to leave.
“I have found my happy place.”
Having visited many beautiful and fascinating spots around the world and in Australia over her lifetime, Judy has become something of an expert on the finer places.
“I think there is some unique and beautiful about every location, just as there is in this area,” she said.
“Since making this place my new home, I feel like I am exactly where I should be at this time in my life.”
Judy has wasted no time settling in and getting involved in the many wonderful aspects of our coastal community since moving, jumping into Pilates, the local writing group, a new book group, photography, art and theatre, to name just a few of her favourites.
“I’m very keen to join in local community events and activities, and support local initiatives and enterprises,” she said.
“I am planning to set up a street library, so that neighbours can share and swap books with each other.
“The climate here is incredible, and I also love the physical beauty of the waterways – the pristine beaches and extensive lakes.
“We have a kayak so we really enjoy getting out into the lakes and rivers and exploring the waterways and appreciating the flora and fauna.”
