Born and raised in South Vietnam, Ms. Phan endured a challenging childhood after losing her parents at the age of 5. Faced with no financial support, she moved in with her grandmother while her brother went to live with their paternal relatives. Then, as her grandmother became frail and unable to care for her, Ms Phan moved in with her aunt. She revealed that her formal education only extended to the sixth grade; after that, she left school to assist her aunt in tailoring to sustain their livelihood.
At 24, Ms. Phan married, and then she and her husband welcomed six children (one son and five daughters). Life became somewhat easier due to her in-laws' prosperous rice milling and sawmill businesses. While Ms. Phan accompanied her husband to the mill daily, she dedicated the remaining time to caring for her mother-in-law and children, fostering a relatively peaceful life.
However, political changes following the fall of South Vietnam drastically altered Ms. Phan's circumstances. Her family's businesses were confiscated, and their properties faced a similar fate. Observing the growing wave of migration for new land, Ms Phan and her husband decided to embark on the journey with their family. Unfortunately, their attempt to cross the border was intercepted, resulting in the family's imprisonment. Ms Phan shared the harrowing and darkest moments of her life during that time. Life in prison was arduous, with insufficient food, constant hunger, and her continuous battles with illness. Fortunately, her sister-in-law's efforts secured the release of their children. Shortly afterwards, Ms Phan, her husband, and the youngest child were also set free.
Upon returning to their homeland, Ms Phan joined the local women's union, eventually reclaiming the house that had been seized earlier with the support of the community. With a stable home, life became less challenging for her family. Subsequently, the family attempted a second border crossing, reaching Australia in 1981 after enduring a precarious period at sea and living on an island.
Life in Australia presented its own set of challenges, with Ms Phan's husband suffering from persistent illness and their children being young. Fortunately, the Vietnamese community in Australia provided them with enormous assistance, aiding the children's education and supporting the family with food and drinks. Despite facing hardships, the family persisted.
After 13 years in Australia, Ms Phan's husband passed away in 1994 due to illness. Ms Phan resides with her fourth daughter's family, surrounded by loving and caring children and grandchildren. She appreciates their frequent outings, delicious meals brought by her daughter, and attentive care from her grandchildren.
Active in community activities, Ms Phan joined My Aged Care Program run by the Government and chose Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC) as her service provider. She expresses immense fondness for the Balcatta Community Centre, where she particularly enjoys participating in activities and engaging with the staff and friends she has made there.
She recounts a time when she was unwell for an entire month; upon returning to the centre, the staff and volunteers warmly embraced her, expressing how much they missed her. Touched by this gesture, Ms Phan felt comforted and appreciated the affection she received from CWCC.
Ms. Phan firmly believes that a simple hug, a thoughtful inquiry, or a word of encouragement brings warmth and motivation for older people to live joyfully and healthily. She hopes that CWCC continues to uphold its spirit and maintain the quality of care services, ensuring that seniors like her feel the love, comfort, and assistance the community provides.
At 84, despite declining health and mobility challenges, Ms Phan remains remarkably independent, managing her life to minimise inconvenience for her children and those around her. She is currently relishing her golden era, supported by the love of family, friends, and her community.
