For Dawn, music, chocolate, and honesty are all the essential ingredients to a good life. Born and raised in Brisbane, Dawn grew up surrounded by the familiar streets and warm sunshine of her hometown. “Brisbane will always be my home,” she said fondly.
Both of Dawn’s parents were born in Australia and she had one sibling growing up. But school wasn’t a place of fond memories for her. “I couldn’t handle it, so when I was 14, I told my mother I was going to work.”
Dawn found her first job, dress making and making buttons for clothes. It wasn’t long before she moved into other roles, including one at a photography studio where she did retouching work and ran errands for the staff.
But the job that stuck with her the most, was her time at the Darrell Lea chocolate factory. “I decided to give Darrell Lea a go,” she said. “It was good. I thoroughly enjoyed it.” Dawn spent over 13 years at the factory, where she worked on the production line. The job earned her a certificate for her years of service, and more importantly, left her with fond memories of a friendly, supportive team.
While work filled much of her life, Dawn always found time for the things she loved, especially music. “Any music. I thoroughly enjoy what SummitCare plays in the dining room.” she said. But there was one artist that always stood out. “Elvis was always my favourite when I was younger,” she smiled. Her love for Elvis began during her time as a theatre usher. “We used to get movies of his, so that’s why I think I fell in love with him,” she explained.
When it came to life’s values, Dawn kept it simple: honestly above all. “You gotta be honest, truthful, and never tell lies about anything,” she said.
