Judy Mallett is one of our wonderful residents at Australind Rise. She has led a full and interesting life in both her personal and professional life. 

Born in Walpole, Judy grew up alongside three brothers and one sister on a dairy farm. It had originally been her grandfather's farm and was passed down through the generations. "My Grandad was sent there to work the land in the early twenties. He was given just an axe and shovel and told to make a farm," said Judy. "My father took over from him, then my three brothers took it on after that. It was sold later on; they pulled it down and planted blue gum trees on the land. It was actually ve1y sad as my parents had spent their whole life building it." 

Judy went to primary school in Walpole then boarding school in Albany. She qualified to get into nursing but didn't start the training because at age 18 fell in love and married. Her husband, Richard, was the local butcher, they were married for 59 years. They have four children one boy and three girls. Judy is very proud of her family. 

"I've loved bringing up four great kids," said Judy. "My three girls are teachers and my son owns a civil engineering company. I've also got nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren." 

Talent & Creativity 

Judy has always had a natural talent for design, having started sewing on her nana 's treadle machine when she was about six. "I started off by doing some sewing for a few people that asked me," explained Judy, "then did some alterations work for a boutique. People kept asking me to help them, so I ended up getting into it in a big way." Which is when her own bridal business, 'Jude Designs' came to life. She created beautiful dresses for weddings all around Perth. And Judy's work was unique. From all the many designs, she never made the same thing twice. "I did three big fashion parades; I had lots of work on. Brides would come with a picture of what they'd want, and I'd follow it. I made it out of calico to get it tight first." Judy's work was very popular, with her designs being worn by Miss WA and Mrs Australia! 

An Evolving Career 

Design is not the only career that Judy excelled at, she also worked for the education department for 33 years as an education assistant and loved it! She worked at East Hamersley P1imary for 19 years, then at Doubleview Primary, before relocating to Bunbury in 1997, where they lived for 12 years and she worked at South Bunbury Pre­primary. Although giving up her business, Judy's creative fire was still burning, but in the form of patchwork. "I sewed for a local winery, 'Vineyard 28 '," said Judy, "mainly quilts and bags bought by international tourists. They only sold my products, as well as paintings from a local artist." 

Judy also worked with her husband, Richard. "We had an irrigation business," said Judy. "I used to help him dig holes! I also volunteered with St John's for four years - that was rewarding, just to be with someone and make them happy that day, I enjoyed doing it. I had to give it up, though, to nurse Richard." 

Retirement Life at Australind Rise 

Sadly, Richard passed away in 2022, which is when Judy decided to put herself forward for a place at SwanCare. "Richard and I had looked at SwanCare together as somewhere we'd like to live," said Judy. "After he passed, I put my name down, then about three months later I was offered a place. Although it took me a long time to settle, I'm very happy. I have a three-bed house in Australind, and I love it. 

I love the location, because I overlook the bush. It's big enough that family can come stay, and we have a lovely village. Our community is beautiful; there are 36 people all together. We also have a craft group where we can teach each other things." 

We love having you in our community Judy and look forward to seeing some wonderful creations produced from the craft group!