A Tale of New Sarsfieldians The Family in the Bus
By John Kinniburgh
Since the Summer Bushfires of 2019/2020 Sarsfield has been the source of many, many personal stories- some of recovery, some of rebuilds, some of relocation to a new life. In an earlier Snippets we recounted the amazing story of bushfire victims Les and Sandy and their efforts to rebuild and re-establish their beautiful home and gardens. Another Snippets recounted the story of Terry and Paddy who lost their home but reluctantly decided to relocate to a beautiful home in Eastwood. Since that time it has been evident that Sarsfield has attracted many “new chums” deciding to settle in this idyllic part of East Gippsland- a tree change within an easy commute to Bairnsdale.
Shawn and Jasmine are a couple of “treechangers” who have begun to set up their new life in Sarsfield. They both previously lived on their family hobby farm in Silvan in the Dandenong Ranges on the outskirts of Melbourne but changes in circumstances saw them searching for their own piece of paradise. Shawn was a self employed “sparkie” whilst Jasmine worked at an Electrical Wholesaler . Several family members had relocated to East Gippsland and Shawn and Jasmine decided to follow. They searched for a property that ticked all of their boxes- undulating, some natural vegetation, services, close to the lakes, rivers and the High Country and some shedding on a few acres. Whilst properties were not immediately forthcoming they eventually found their 18.5 acre ponderosa in Sarsfield. They had ideas, inspiration and a vision and purchased the property.
In order to relocate immediately, they purchased a bus from Euroa which enabled them to transport their goods and chattels to the property. This bus was fitted out to be their temporary home whilst they established the property. Internal and external fencing was built, a driveway and a culvert constructed across their “seasonal” gully, fruit trees and citrus planted, a chook pen constructed, plenty of vegetable plots set up, and walnut trees planted. Solar panels and water tanks were installed. A few cattle graze on the back paddock whilst a flock of Suffolk sheep are lambing at present.
Not long after settling into their lifestyle they welcomed their first child ,Axel and Jasmine is expecting their second child later this year.
They established a house site, organized plans and a builder and this week signed the contract for their build to begin with Independent Builders. They are anticipating work will begin in the next few months .
Since following some of their family to East Gippsland other family members have followed them. Since moving to Sarsfield they have made close connections and friendships with all their neighbours and have felt very welcomed to the Sarsfield Community. They have enjoyed attending functions and dinners and watching Axel participate in the “kids activities”.Shawn said it is great to have easy access to the Recreation Reserve and that Axel loves playing on the “All Sports “ Court . Whilst Shawn was initially working as an Electrician he has recently begun working for AWM Wholesale Electrical supplies.
It is a great thing to see young couples and families settling in Sarsfield, which adds to the exciting future ahead.Welcome to a wonderful family - Shawn, Jasmine, Axel and baby ??? and good luck with the house build and life ahead.
by John kinniburgh
