RIVERLAND WEEKLY EXTRA - Showcase interview with Ruth Firstbrook
Posted by Brad Perry in Human Interest on 11 Aug 2010 at 06:13 am
RIVERLAND Weekly editor Rob McLean caught up with Loxton woman Ruth Firstbrook last month to interview her for the Country Press of South Australia’s annual Showcase edition (the theme of which was Leading Ladies)
In a broad and illuminating interview, Mrs Firstbrook shared her life story and what drives her commitment to disability advocacy and the Riverland community in general.
The following is a complete transcript from what was a fascinating interview:
Coming to Australia:
I’VE been in Australia for 45 years. I came from Newcastle (England).
I’m a Geordie girl. From a family of shipbuilders and miners, very traditional.
Better opportunity brought my family here.
I remember asking my Dad this and, at the time we emigrated, Dad was working a couple of jobs, as was Mum, in very much slum like conditions.
They were really doing a great job and wanted the best for their kids.
I remember asking Dad and he had apparently seen the headmistress of school, who said “you can’t deny her future, she is really bright”. Which still astonishes me today.
He said “we have been considering going to Australia,” and she said, “yes, that will create a better future for your kids” (that was my brother and I). So Mum and Dad thought “yep, its gonna be a better future for our kids”...
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