Kathy Calvert
Like a League of Nations

I lived at Airds from 1976 to 1980, when I did a swap and moved here. People next door had kids about the same age so it worked out well. It’s not like that any more. You were more friends than neighbours. I don’t have a friend in the street now. I mean I have a couple of close neighbours but not next door like it used to be. Of course you had your ratbags, you’re always going to get that.

A lot of people move in and it’s just a transition for them; they’re all transients. Apart from these two either side of me, who I don’t speak to very often anyway, they stay a few months then they’re gone. Hardly worthwhile getting to know them. I’ve always introduced myself to new neighbours and let them know what day garbage goes out, that type of thing.

When the kids were playing football, it was like a league of nations. You’d have Lebanese, Aboriginal, Scot or Australian thrown in, but it was good fun and their coach used to have barbeques with them. That’s how I met Barry, at a football barbeque. He still lives in the area too.

I like the design of this house albeit that it’s turned around the other way. The rest, in parts, looks like a slum because the houses are too close together... I don’t know why they couldn’t do what they’ve done in other areas: a privatepublic mixture. That’s how I grew up.

A lot of people look down on Housing Department residents. Tell someone often enough they’re not good enough, sooner or later they will believe you. I just do not fit that mould. I was happy, I was a single parent with little money. I still don’t have much money but I have raised great kids and we have gotten by. I would never give in to that despair I have seen. I mean, you see babies having babies, mind you my daughter was one of them. I was not very happy about that but she has pulled herself up. That’s why she won’t live in Housing, for that reason.