Coffee Shop Goss Banora Point > Kirra Beach - March 15 | Page 3
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Heather Gillard
Graphic Designer
Hi Heather, how
long have you
been a Local?
Five months, this time :)
What is the Heather Gillard Story?
I started my journey in Sydney, Northern
Beaches (yes, I am a Manly supporter).
Lived very happily there with my family
– artistic mother, banker father and two
brothers, enjoyed the beaches, ballet,
tap and jazz dancing, drama, studied
the piano, trumpet and viola performing
in the Opera House and Sydney Town
Hall, played tennis, swimming club, girl
guides, having good friends (my bestie
and I met in year 2 at school and are still
amazing friends) and generally healthy,
busy and motivated. Commenced my
career in Graphic Design when I left
school and felt my true passion unfold,
what a cool job! In 1989 I headed to
the Gold Coast to start a family and
have been here ever since, other than a
recent two-year stint in Adelaide.
What is the best thing that has
ever happened to you?
My children, I am so proud of them
both. Favourite son Ryan 25, tattoo
artist in Palm Beach, very talented! And
favourite daughter Hannah 23, fitness
motivator and director Snap Fitness
Queenstown NZ, love visiting her there!
Very careful for no competition here...
What is the worst thing that has
ever happened to you?
Being diagnosed with breast cancer
at 36 when my kids were still in primary
school. I wasn’t sure at that point if I’d
have enough time to share all my worldly
stuff with them.
What was your saddest moment?
My saddest moment… not sure yet,
haven’t had it.
What was the catalyst to the
major change in your life?
Surviving breast cancer for the second
time at 48 years of age. I had to do life
differently. This is definitely still work in
progress, I don’t think I’ll ever stop. I really
want to continue learning how to be the
best version of me, always.
How do you recharge your
batteries.
I have a love for the great outdoors,
whether it be beach or bush. There is
a sense of freedom and peace in the
open space of nature.
What do you feel the most guilty
about?
Gee, I’ve been to a psychologist to rid
my self of that one. So, probably, guilty
for not learning earlier to not feel guilty.
Who has been the
influence in your life.
biggest
My mother, I have very fond memories.
She was a bright, intelligent, happy,
caring, creative and fun person
who radiated great energy and
attracted it in return. Everyone loved
her. Unfortunately, Mum passed three
years ago with high level dementia…
unbelievably cruel disease.
What next?
I’m undergoing a bit more study to keep
the creative juices flowing and stay
current in this incredible IT world we live
in. Perhaps a few interesting holidays...
I want to climb mountains. And most
importantly, to be happy.
Ph 0402 475 359
Email [email protected]
www.coffeeshopgoss.com.au > BANORA POINT TO KIRRA > MARCH 2015
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