07/10/2026
Meet Kathryn – one of Banksia’s current clients.
After a vibrant life of socialising and travel, Kathryn has landed herself comfortably at Liscombe House in St Helena. She is a funny, witty woman who always looks on the bright side of life “I’ve a lot to be grateful for. I think life is wonderful.”
This positivity must be the secret to Kathryn’s longevity for at the age of 91 she still receives visits from Banksia’s volunteer Helen, carer Jenny, daughter Yvette, as well as speaking frequently with daughters, Jane and Sarah.
“I had a happy childhood in England with my brothers - there was lots of singing and dancing. I was an au pair in Paris and took lovely holidays with girlfriends Val and Anne – we were inseparable. I’ve had a good life.”
Like so many Brits, it was in the UK that Kathryn met Aussie Bob. When they became pregnant with their first child, Kathryn and Bob moved to Australia.
“We had a good life and spent a lot of time at Hobsons Bay Yacht Club. Bob knew everyone there and at a turning point in his life, he set sail to journey around the world on his own.”
For five years Bob travelled around the world in a small boat and in the 90s Australian story made a film about his adventure. Kathryn remembers the story fondly and is happy to share it with anyone who asks. "I would meet him at places he stopped around the world. It was an adventure for me as well."
After chatting with Kathryn for her story, she called “Arrivederci” as I departed. Her farewell gave me a sense of a cultured woman, well-travelled and full of stories – and I felt very privileged to have heard just a few of them.
Thank you Kathryn for sharing your story 🧡✨
To read all the stories we've collected on Banksia People visit our website: https://banksiapalliative.com.au/banksia-people/
