This week’s local face is Karon Dawson.
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What is your occupation?
After nearly 38 years, I recently retired on October 8 as a High School English and History Head Teacher, although I spent the last 15 years working in the NSW Department of Education’s local office in Student Wellbeing consultancy positions.
Where do you live?
I have lived in the same house in Kiama Downs (Gainsborough) for nearly 34 years, we moved in when my daughter was two weeks old!
Where is your hometown?
I’m a Northern Beaches girl - I grew up in Avalon, Harbord and Fairlight and much to my family’s disgust, I still support the Manly Sea Eagles!
How does Kiama differ from your hometown?
One of the reasons we moved to Kiama in 1984 was that it was very much like the Northern Beaches when I lived there - a fairly carefree lifestyle, great community spirit and of course, the salt air, the sand and the surf!
What are your hobbies or what do you like to do in your spare time?
Netball - I was one of the first members and the Founding Secretary of Kiama Netball Association more than 30 years ago.
Since then, I have played, coached at many levels, managed State teams, umpired at State Championships (I have my National B Badge) and have been on many committees.
I still umpire and gain great pleasure from mentoring and supporting some very talented young and new umpires. I have Life Membership to three Netball organisations, although my greatest highlight was being a Team Liaison Officer at the World Netball Championships in Sydney in 2015.
Now that I have officially retired, I’m looking forward to reading all the books on my bookshelf that have been gathering dust, travelling overseas and visiting my grand daughter who lives in the USA.
What are some fun facts people don't know about you?
Well, all of my ex-students, friends and family know that I’m not a “morning person” but I don’t think there are any “fun facts” people don’t know about me.
People may not know that I did teach two former Australian cricketers, coached an Australian netballer and helped to teach a former Women’s World Champion Surfer to surf when she was a young girl.
What is your favourite thing about the area?
The people who live here and the Minnamurra River!
What is your favourite holiday destination?
I have travelled to many countries, have seen some fantastic sights and have have had some amazing experiences.
In fact, I only returned from a two and a half month trip to the USA and Europe, six weeks ago.
My favourite places are warm ones like Fiji, Hawaii and the Greek Islands as well as anywhere in the USA where my 18-month-old granddaughter is living. However, “there’s no place like home” so I really enjoy spending my holidays in Kiama!
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