It’s hard to know where to start to tell your story when it has only just begun. Mum and Dad’s families have lived in the Hilltops forever, mostly in Jugiong and Harden. I have lived here all my life.
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I may go away from the Hilltops, but I will always come home.
- Emilie Quinn
My earliest memories are of being out on the farm, watching my three older brothers play football. Mum was always buying girls toys and stuff for me because she was so excited to finally have a daughter, but I only played with the boy’s toys anyway. I loved playing footy with the boys and guess I was a bit of a tomboy.
When it was time for school, I went to Trinity Catholic School and I loved the small classes where everyone knew each other.
Having a big family; I have 31 first cousins; Christmas was always a massive occasion. Every second year, the whole family travels back to the Hilltops for Christmas. Even though our family has now spread out across Australia, everyone travels from as far away as Western Australia and Townsville to be home for Christmas. I guess you could call us a pretty close extended family.
I am currently in Year 11 at Hennessy Catholic College, and I can honestly say that although it is hard work, Hennessy really pushes you to do your best.
I think I would like to get into a medical field after High School, maybe become a nurse, a paramedic or do exercise rehabilitation at Uni.
Harden has a lot of great sporting clubs and I started playing football (thank you to my brothers for this) in Junior League six or seven years ago. I played in two Grand Finals before moving up to Senior League. Dad was coaching and my brothers were all playing, so it was easier for everyone if I made the transition.
The Hawkettes have become like my second family. It is a great environment, where everyone works together toward a common goal. The older girls look after the young ones, so I ended up with sisters after all!
I have loved growing up in the Hilltops; loved being a part of a small community. I might move away one day, but I will always be back to visit, and maybe, if I am lucky, to live and raise my own family. I love the fact that I can walk down the street and there is always someone I know. I can honestly say that I have never felt unsafe in Harden. I have been lucky in that I have grown up with a real sense of family and community.