Meet the Residents
Alan and Estelle
A Life Built on Love, Family and Kindness Alan and Estelle, now happily settled into Coorparoo Aged Care, have spent their entire lives in Brisbane’s inner suburbs—Alan growing up in Greenslopes and Estelle in East Brisbane. Alan still vividly remembers watching the construction of Greenslopes Hospital as a boy, the first time he ever saw a bulldozer in action. Their love story began at the iconic Cloudland Ballroom, where they met at a dance when they were 23 and 21. Dancing quickly became a shared passion, and the pair continued attending dances together for many years. They married in October 1960 and welcomed two sons. Though they sadly lost one of their boys, Estelle says they are deeply supported by their son Peter and are incredibly proud grandparents to four grandsons—each high-
achieving and very close to their grandparents. Alan and Estelle agree that their greatest achievements are their marriage and the loving family they built together. Alan began his career as an electrician before becoming a trade teacher with Queensland TAFE, helping guide the next generation of apprentices. Estelle first worked as a talented dressmaker before joining the family jewellery business, where she brought her creativity and craftsmanship to a new field. Both credit their life philosophies for guiding them through the years. Alan lives by: “ Do unto others as you would have done to you. ” Estelle echoes this sentiment, adding her belief that everyone should “ think of others and be kind. ” One of Alan’s favourite quotes—“N one come into this world with a saddle on their back, nor others booted and spurred to ride them ”—serves as a lasting reminder of equality and respect. Reflecting on the greatest changes of their lifetime, Estelle points to the rise of technology and, most importantly, the extraordinary improvements in health care. Both agree that Medicare has transformed life for millions of Australians, offering support unimaginable to previous generations. Alan and Estelle are delighted with their move to Coorparoo Aged Care, where they share a comfortable suite with separate living and sleeping areas. They have personalised their space and spend much of each day enjoying activities and time outside their room. As Alan warmly expressed, “ I am yet to meet a staff member who is not friendly and helpful—they are all just lovely. This is the best decision we’ve made. ”
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