Page 6 - LG Summer Newsletter 2023

6 LANSDOWNE NEWS, SUMMER 2023

Meet our Resident
Roddy Kennard

It's an honour to share the inspiring story of one of Returning to Sydney for her boy’s schooling, Roddy
our cherished residents, Roddy, a vibrant soul who transitioned into the catering industry, offering her
graced Lansdowne Gardens with her presence just culinary talents to Channel Nine and influential
over a year ago. personalities. However, after a decade, she yearned for
more time to dedicate to her growing boys’ aspirations.
Originally hailing from the picturesque town of Her life took a beautiful turn as she delved into
Ngaruawahia in New Zealand, Roddy’s upbringing volunteering work, sparking a passionate commitment.
resonates with an incredible familial legacy and a Engaging deeply in the Birchgrove community, Roddy
spirit for adventure. Her roots trace back to a town became a pivotal part of the campaign against the over-
known for being the home of the first Māori king. development of Ballas Point, culminating in a triumph at
Roddy’s parents were exceptional figures, with her the high court. Simultaneously, she dedicated twelve
father not only serving as the town’s mayor but also years to the Sydney Film Festival, contributing to its
practicing dentistry, while her mother dedicated programming department, and continuing to be an avid
herself as the school’s dental nurse. Together, they attendee.
established the first kindergarten uniting Māori and Roddy’s life is a testament to resilience, adventure, and
non-Māori children in the aftermath of the Second an unwavering dedication to making a difference. Here at
World War. Lansdowne Gardens, we’re privileged to have such a
remarkable individual among us, enriching our
Roddy’s journey was a unique one, finding her path community with her vibrant spirit and rich life
early on. Uninterested in boarding school, she set her experience.
sights on following in her parent’s footsteps in the
dental field. Displaying exceptional determination,
she pursued a career in dentistry, beginning as a
dental nurse at an early age-joining the School Dental
Nurse two years ahead of the regular age intake.
Venturing to Australia for a working holiday with a
friend, Roddy settled in McMahons Point, Sydney.
Her adventures in the bustling city led her to diverse
roles, from being a hair beauty consultant at David
Jones to eventually finding her niche at McManhons
pub, where she not only worked as a barmaid but
also found love-a serendipitous encounter that led to
marriage at 21 years old.
Her life took a captivating turn as she embarked on a
whirlwind romance, traveling the world with her
husband. While this journey was Roddy’s first
significant exploration, apart from her move to
Australia, it was one that included the birth of her
two sons, Sam and Walter.
Though her marriage concluded, Roddy’s thirst for
adventure was still there. With her boys still in their
toddler years, she set forth for England to visit her
brother and later journeyed through Europe with the
children. Eventually, they settled in the charming
town of Cadaques in Spain, where Roddy found
contentment working at a local bar and creating a
new home for her family.