Fermanagh native speaks about life in Australia

The ongoing pandemic has left Leesa unable to travel home for some years now, but as she tells The Impartial Reporter, her family at home and her Fermanagh background are very important to her, even though she's so far away from both.

Leesa McCormick (née Evans) pictured with her family.

Where are you currently based and have you been there since you left Fermanagh?

Since leaving Fermanagh, I have been based in Brisbane, Australia.

When did you leave Fermanagh and why did you originally leave?

I left in 2010 to begin a new adventure with an old Fermanagh flame – turns out they are hard to extinguish, as Gary is now my better half!

Australia had been on my bucket list from an early age, thanks to the storytelling of my aunties who travelled here in their twenties.

'A land of opportunity' sounded too good not to explore, so when pieces of my life began to fall into place, the stars aligned, and I packed my bags for Oz.

What are you currently doing abroad, such as travelling, working, volunteering, etc?

I am currently working, raising our young family, and exploring this vast country.

What do you miss most about home in Fermanagh?

Aside from family, friends, and community, I miss the charm and history of home.

So many Australians I have met are in complete awe of the fact that there is a castle situated in my home town.

I love spelling 'Enniskillen' whilst encouraging people to try a Google search – the reactions are priceless!

Do you travel home often?

It has been four years since I last travelled home. Before the pandemic and kids, my husband and I travelled home every two years.

What has been a highlight of your time living abroad?

Becoming a mum and raising the first generation of Australian McCormicks will always be my ultimate highlight.

In addition to that, the grand exposure to multiculturalism. Living in Australia has given me great cultural awareness and acceptance, which has enhanced me as a person and a parent.

Was it difficult settling into life in a new country?

Aged 21, the world was my oyster and that helped my mindset with regards to settling into a new country. The opportunity to meet new people and create connections has always been a strength of mine, so that has made life much easier and enjoyable.

We have built a community, surrounding ourselves and our kids with people who love and respect us.

Have you faced many challenges?

Yes, without having a family support network in the same country you face challenges, especially as you advance in life and inevitably circumstances change around you.

There are moments in life that I have missed, and of which our family has too, that we will never get back or be able to replace and you carry guilt.

At the same time, every challenge faced is an opportunity for growth, and you must make your own way in life, focus on it and be proud of the fact.

Have you introduced any Fermanagh slang to the country you are currently living in? If so, what words/phrases have people picked up?

I will admit to failing on the Fermanagh slang introduction. Replies of “no bother” have morphed into “no dramas”.

Australia is a proud and honest nation, with a straight-talking, “fit in or b****r off” mentality – even Novak Djokovic had to learn the hard way!

How does the food where you live compare to food from home?

The variety of food is amazing and, being a mum, I love that our kids have exposure to that from such an early age, but you do not have to look far to see who is championing change with regards to food in Fermanagh.

I have huge respect for Marty McAdam of 'The Street Kitchen', who has travelled and brought home his passion and creativity for the wider community to enjoy.

Who do you miss most from home? How have you found communicating across different time zones?

My mum, dad, sisters, our wider family, and friends. I feel fortunate that we have the modern-day technology available to communicate so easily.

We are blessed and I fully embrace it. Social media, Facetime – any way I can connect, I will, and that makes living in a different time zone more manageable.

Do you think you will ever move back to Fermanagh?

I have spent more than a third of my life in Australia, and I have not even scraped the surface with regards to exploring.

Never say never, but for us as a family, it is important to live in the present and be grateful for what we have now.

Every day is a gift, be it in Brisbane or on the other side of the world in Fermanagh.

Leesa McCormick and her daughter meet a relaxed kangaroo.