Sharon Joyce
1976-1978 Years 8, 9
Email: gchemello@ozemail.com.au

My name is Sharon Chemello. My maiden name was Sharon Joyce. We lived on Penang arriving Jan. 1976 and leaving Dec. 1977, a two year posting. My friend and back-door neighbour, Cathy Sterling, contacted me re the reunion and this web site, a great idea.

My Father is Rusty Joyce, a rad-tech seargent and he had a band who played at the school dance ( I sang about a dozen songs on stage) and numerous other Raaf gigs. They were called "The Monnie Drain Trio". My Mum, Marion, was the school secretary for a while. We were all involved in the theatre group and were in a few plays. Rusty returned to Amberley and left the Air Force. He and Marion separated and both remarried. Marion's partner has since passed away. Both live in Brisbane.

My sister was Kim Joyce, older by one year and she recently passed away after five years of cancer. She was single. Some may remember Kim as she was a little slow so she was special. My brother, Steven was a year younger and now lives on a farm in Victoria. He is single.

I am married with two primary school aged children and two cats, living on a park in Fairfield close to Brisbane City. I was a teacher, then worked in Educational Publishing, Sales and Marketing, now I do relief teaching and I'm studying fitness to help combat middle years.

I have many fond memories of Malaysia and reading those of others has brought back many more. Some people have amazing memories for detail.

But I don't think it was all a bed of roses for everyone. My siblings were not sporting, nor was Mum, other than ten-pin bowling so as that was a huge part of the lifestyle, I think they often felt left out as no doubt some others did. They were quiet types so all the socialising at the clubs was not always their cup of tea either. And I think some people, particularly the Mums, found some of the safety issues and creepy crawlies, snakes, monkies, city smells and dirt, toilets, the language etc a little hard. No wonder some were anxious to return home.

We returned home on the same flight as Cathy Sterling and her family, our neighbours and many others and yes, we did kiss the tarmac upon arrival.

I enjoyed the different culture and I'm still gtateful for the experience. It was good to be the minority. It was unfortunate that some of us were a tad arrogant enough to be rude to the locals like we were in charge.

I loved the climate , the beach, the swimming club, the movies. I recall the Snow's Club movie nights, the Hostie, Basketball. I was one of the lucky girls in the Raiders cheer squad. We spent time with the American girls learning their cheers, had uniforms made and cheered for the Raiders men's team. I played basketball, softball, netball and volleyball and was never all that good at any but managed to just scrape in to the teams through sheer persistence.

I recall we had groups at school for special interests and I was one of the DJs at RAAF School Radio. Bus trips singing not so nice songs, the rock pools, the great food like satays and ice balls, going into town to shop or go to the movies and having trishaw races, the dragon boat races, pasa malam (night markets) the restaurants, the city, the temples, ferry trips with phosphorus at night, the visiting food sellers and snake charmers, the monsoons, the monnie drains and many of the great mates. Love to hear from anyone there at the same time.

The teachers were esp. good I think. I suppose they were the chosen few. But Mr Sadokerski(SP?), the art teacher, did little for our self esteem as he wandered around the room calling us "Raaf brats" in some sort of vain attempt to challenge us. I hope he comes to the reunion!

There are alot of people I'd love to catch up with. There are many I remember well. And this current Brisbane weather is sure reminiscent of Malaysia. Hope to see alot of people at the reunion. I thought I might bring a photo and memorabilia of my sister, Kim, who passed away.. if your sibling has left us, maybe do the same. Stay well and happy,

 

Sharon Joyce (Chemello)
27/2/04