Fermanagh native speaks about life in Melbourne, Australia

Averil is the second daughter of Tommie and Edith Kirkpatrick from Belleek, and has two sisters – Carol, who is married to Keith Livingstone, living in Enniskillen; and Sharon, living in Birmingham.

She also has two brothers – Alan, who lives in Edinburgh, and Rev. Nigel, living in Carrickfergus.

Here, she talks to The Impartial Reporter about her life in Oz.

When did you leave Fermanagh and why did you originally leave?

I left Fermanagh in 1980, after completing Year 12 at the Collegiate Grammar School, to complete a Bachelor of Education (Hons) in Stranmillis College, Belfast.

After graduation I worked in Donaghadee PS for several years and then took up the position of Assistant Principal at Belmont PS in Belfast.

I travelled to many different countries on holiday during this time, including Australia and New Zealand.

In 1998 I took a career break to join my partner, now husband, Paul, in Melbourne, where I am currently based.

Averil Gramaconi.

What are you currently doing?

I accepted a role in Toorak PS in 1999. During my time there I trained as an Early Years Coordinator and a Reading Recovery teacher as well as looking after student welfare and the Early Years team – I wore many hats!

After the birth of our son in 2000, we travelled home to Ireland where I resumed my duties as Assistant Principal in Belmont PS, while my husband worked as a stay-at-home dad with our son, Tate.

We spent much precious time with family during that year. In mid 2001, we returned to Melbourne.

After a few years at home with my son I returned to work in 2005, accepting a role as a Reading Recovery teacher at Brighton Beach PS, where I have taught for the past 17 years.

Where else have you lived outside of the UK/Ireland?

As part of my degree in French and Education I spent a year in Calais, France, working as an English assistant in 1983.

What do you miss most about home?

I miss family, followed closely by Denny sausages, Ulster bacon, floury potatoes and the green, green grass of home!

Averil Gramaconi.

Do you travel home often?

In the first few years I was away I would travel home every couple of years or so, but as the years have gone by, and as my mum ages, I have been travelling home annually – until Covid-19.

Sadly, because of the pandemic, I have not been permitted to travel home for the past two and a half years.

I am currently booked to return in April, and I can’t wait!

What has been a highlight of your time living abroad?

The highlights of my time abroad have to be my marriage to my soulmate, Paul, and the birth of our son, Tate.

Becoming a wife and a mother have made me complete.

Was it difficult settling into life in a new country?

Yes, it was difficult. The summer sun is so hot here and, although I know how to keep myself warm, it is much more difficult to know how to keep cool.

Living with an Australian, in the village-like suburb of Sandringham, having that sense of community, getting involved in social groups and activities, joining the local Anglican Church and taking an interest in the activities my son has joined, have helped greatly in making friends and getting to know people.

Who knew that I would grow to love cricket? And it’s not as complicated a game as I used to think when my brother, Alan, organised backyard cricket games for us in our youth!

Barracking for an AFL team and learning about how AFL works has also afforded me a talking point with kids, adults etc.

Have you faced many challenges?

Any challenges I have faced have been alongside my husband Paul, who has been my rock.

My biggest challenge was being diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in 2011; a very hard and challenging time without family support. (Paul’s family are based in Brisbane, which is a three-hour flight away from us in Melbourne.)

However, I am a 10-year cancer-free survivor, and counting!

Have you introduced any ‘Fermanagh slang’ to the country you are currently living in? If so, what words/phrases have people picked up?

Being a teacher means that my students have always been very quick to pick me up on words/phrases they aren’t familiar with, or words they think I don’t pronounce correctly, so I learned very quickly to adapt my conversation.

One word I used to say was ‘quare’ – however, after trying to explain what it meant a few times unsuccessfully, I dropped it.

How does the food where you live compare to food from home?

There are lots of fresh fruit and vegetables in Australia of awesome quality and many different varieties.

Also, there are lots of food from different cultures readily available in the supermarkets and speciality shops. Imagine seeing bananas grow on a tree!

Who do you miss most from home?

I miss my family, and family occasions and events. I miss familiar places and memories of my youth; I miss Christmas lights, shopping with my mum and sisters.

How have you found communicating across different time zones?

Communication has improved immensely – from the blue lightweight airmail letters years ago and internet calls to Messenger/Zoom calls.

Time zones are no longer an issue, with phone apps and daylight saving.

Do you think you will ever move back to Fermanagh?

I can never say never; however, I feel I have two homes – one in Australia and one in Ireland – and I sometimes feel caught between two different worlds.

A move back to Fermanagh would have to be in consultation with my husband and son. We all love Fermanagh though; it is our favourite part of Northern Ireland.