6 January 2025
Brigitte is a resident at Regis Sunraysia, where she enjoys sharing her love of art and creativity with others. Her life has been full of rich experiences, from growing up in Berlin to building a new life in Australia.
One childhood memory stands out vividly, running away from home after being asked to look after her younger sister. “I didn’t want to, so I ran away,” she recalls. A couple found her and took her in, thinking no one wanted this little girl. The situation even made the local news before Brigitte was safely returned home.
Life changed dramatically when her family moved to Australia. “Our move changed my life 100%. It took 31 days to get here by boat,” Brigitte explains. The family first stayed at Bonegilla migrant camp in Victoria before settling in Orange, New South Wales. Adjusting to a new country was a challenge, but it opened doors to new opportunities and experiences.
Brigitte’s childhood in Germany also included skiing adventures, and her favourite memory is of her father making her skis by hand. That creativity stayed with her throughout life. Today, Brigitte loves drawing animals and portraits. One of her proudest artistic moments was selling a portrait of Jeff Kennett for $200.
Her life took another exciting turn when she met her husband at a Melbourne restaurant called The Jolly Roger. “He was Italian and didn’t speak any English,” Brigitte says. They later opened their own restaurant, Vienna, in Hawthorn, Melbourne. “I learned to speak Italian, and we mainly served Asian-inspired food because of the culture in the area,” she explains. Running a restaurant together was challenging but rewarding, and it gave Brigitte a chance to learn new skills and embrace a different culture.
Looking back, Brigitte says her proudest achievement is her family, her son and daughter.
Brigitte’s story is a reminder of the rich life experiences our residents bring to Regis Sunraysia. Through our lifestyle programs, we create opportunities for residents like Brigitte to share their passions and talents, whether it’s art, music or storytelling. Every story matters and every person has something unique to offer.
