Tamie
Tamie joined the BRMC Social Support group more than 12 years ago when she came along to a social event with a Japanese friend. Over the years Tamie has enjoyed attending all social support events from Tucker to Bus Trips, Social Hub and Health & Wellbeing Days, and making many good friends within the BRMC community.
Tamie came to Ballarat from Kure (a town near Hiroshima, Japan) at the age of 20, newly married to Kevin, who was in the Australian Defence Force. Tamie and Kevin created a lovely home surrounded by a beautiful garden which they planted with iconic Japanese plants including cherry blossoms, maples and camellias – a loving tribute to Japan. Sixty-six years later, the garden continues to flourish and is a source of great joy and comfort to Tamie.
With the outbreak of COVID-19 this year and suspension of social gatherings, Tamie has stayed in touch with her BRMC friends through the regular catch up with BRMC staff at the deliveries of meals and activity packs. She enjoys reading the monthly social newsletters and checking out the photos of friends! When talking about her experience living through the coronavirus pandemic, Tamie says she has continued to remain independent, doing her own shopping taking the bus, wearing her mask, and generally adapting to life under lockdown restrictions. She keeps busy with her hobbies and walks and coffee catch-ups (when permitted) with friends in her neighbourhood.
Tamie is a proud grandmother of 11, and great-grandmother of 13. She says she is fortunate to have 3 of her sons in Ballarat, but she has really missed visiting her son and grandchildren in Perth.
Tamie is looking forward already to the next BRMC Tucker!
