BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Karen is Australian — born and bred!

Her father was born in Wagga Wagga, NSW in 1920 and spent most of his early life living in Junee, NSW.

Her mother originally came from Blacktown in Western Sydney (in 1924, this was bush).

Karen was born in Manly, NSW in 1960 and is the youngest of five daughters (NO sons!).

While she was growing up, Karen and her family lived mostly in the North Shore region of Sydney (Curl Curl, Collaroy Plateau, Fairlight) though they did spend a few years in Lismore, NSW, as well.

Karen also spent many of her school holidays at her father’s mate’s poll hereford stud in Junee: she just loved the country!

In high school, Karen achieved her school Certificate but didn’t stay on to gain her Higher School Certificate: the world beckoned!

After leaving school, Karen worked in a fruit shop, then her local library, and then worked in the ANZ Bank.

As both of her parents had been medics during WWII, and since she wanted a job that would stand her in good stead for the future, Karen decided to join the Defence Forces. At the time, the RAAF was not recruiting and so she applied to join the Navy and was accepted.

During her nine years of service, Karen gained her electronics trades certificate.

Karen has lived in Gympie for four and a half years after moving from Logan City in Brisbane.

She has seen and done many things on the road to where she is now, some of which are listed in the attached subpages…

*