Donna Swain, Teacher

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Resident of Yarraville, Teacher, mother

Like most young Australians growing up, I’ve always wanted to travel through Europe. I met my husband Kieran while working in England, and remained in London for a while. What was initially meant to be for two years, became nearly ten. We ended up purchasing a flat, and really enjoyed our time there. However, I’ve always been very close to my family and wanted to come home. Kieran knew dating me meant returning to Australia, but he somewhat reluctantly left his beloved London and his native Ireland behind.

Upon returning to Melbourne, we wanted to live somewhere with a bit of personality, especially after the hustle and bustle of London. A friend of mine suggested Yarraville, so we rented a place. I always wanted something with a large block of land but Kieran wanted to be closer to the city, and preferred to be nearer to Carlton or North Melbourne. Unfortunately there are no large blocks of land there!

Moving to Yarraville worked out great for us, as we didn’t know much about it when we moved in. Over the last 20 years, the demographics have changed. When we first bought our home and moved into the street, there were lots of older people. Many have since passed away. Houses were sold and younger families moved in. More recently the houses are getting purchased by developers and townhouses are going up. It’s definitely gotten busier, but the community feel still stays the same. I love it here.

Our neighbours are wonderful and we know a lot of families in the area. We have been lucky enough to share the school drop-offs and before and after care with neighbours. We were able to head off to work and know our kids were in safe hands. It’s been like having family nearby!

You know what, I have never grown up in a teaching environment. I didn’t know what I wanted to do but travel. I knew I had to do something I could potentially fall back on, and just decided on teaching and see how I went. Over the years, I have fallen in love with teaching and still enjoy it nearly 30 years later. It’s lovely to go to work and enjoy what you do. As a teacher in St Albans, it’s never boring and no two days are the same.

My parents are from Ireland, and moved to Melbourne in 1965 for new opportunities in a different part of the world. Most of my mum’s family had moved to Canada, however my mum intentionally came to Melbourne to accompany my uncle. My mum didn’t settle here too well, as she was used to being part of a big family. Thank goodness she now has Facebook! When I decided to travel all those years later, I knew I had to return to Ireland to meet my family, particularly my grandparents.

Growing up we lived all over Melbourne but eventually, my parents settled in the west. My parents and my sisters still live nearby which is perfect for me.

I love anything vintage; it’s always been a passion of mine. I can’t leave anything sitting in an op shop. People know I love vintage bits and pieces, and they buy it for me for birthdays and Christmas. Some of the items I have, belong to my parents and friends often pass on things as they know I would appreciate them.

I have a cookie jar lid, which is around 85 years old. My great uncle gave it to me as part of a birthday present. He would often bring us an antique piece of china and one year my sister got a chaise lounge! As a child I was always amazed by the pieces he would bring to us. I guess that’s where the love of antiques come from.

Growing up, we’ve always had music in the house. My family would listen to everything, but a lot of it was popular music at the time. Mum has always been into the 60s, and Dad loves his country music. The record player was hardly ever off and I’m sure some of my dad’s precious record collection is now unplayable due to severe overuse!

I’ve always loved singing and previously sung with a local choir, La La Ville, which is run by the wonderful Jenny Swain. She’s not related to me at all, but when I heard her name I knew it was the choir for me. I was taking a break due to a house renovation and was about to go back to La La Ville, but was encouraged by a friend to audition for the group The Rebelles. There are 15 female singers, and a four-piece band. We perform, sing and dance to 1960s music, some covers and lot of original stuff which we have been recording. We even have an LP and quite a few EPs as well.

On the personal front, I wish to continue singing with The Rebelles. Since joining the band a year ago it’s been a whirlwind of gigs, recording an EP, making a video and photo shoots. Plus I get to hang out with a great group of lovely, talented people. I can’t believe my secret dream of becoming a backup singer has become a reality. Thanks Rhonda Rebelle and Bobb B Rebelle for the opportunity.

Going ahead I wish to continue teaching as it never gets dull. This year I am teaching Visual Arts and Performing Arts. It’s something I’ve never done before but now I get to sing and dance in my day job too.

Yarraville is a lovely community. I love the people and the neighbourhood, and my family is very lucky to call this place home.

Ps: Remember “It’s Ok to Not Be Okay”

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