Margaret Eldridge
| Town/City | Hobart |
|---|---|
| First name | Margaret |
| Last name | Eldridge |
| Country of Origin | UK |
| Date of Birth | 23.11.37 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1964 |
| Submitted by | Margaret Eldridge |
Story
Reason for leaving homeland – My husband was offered a job at the University of Tasmania.
About the Journey – 27 hours on a Qantas flight with a 4 month old baby Sally. Hostesses asked “Why on earth do you want to go to Tasmania ?”
Impressions on Arrival – I don’t remember much as I was very airsick over Bass Strait but I do remember the new bridge and the spring flowers. It was a lot colder than Tasmania House had led us to believe! The university house was very cold with no heating and no saucepans! It was a bit of a contrast to cosmopolitan London but there were compensations and the beauty of the island still has me spellbound.
Gradually we made friends and bought our own home after a few weeks. Three children were added to the family and I completed a degree in 1980, a graduate diploma in 1990 and a Masters degree in 2008. My childen are great and grandchild no. 8 arrives soon. In 2006, I was awarded the AM for services to international students, migrants and refugees.
Australia, and in particular Tasmania has been good to me. I have had opportunities and experiences here I would never have had in my country of origin. I am very grateful. Tasmania is home!