As an active community member, Mrs Munckton is delighted to be part of the Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC) and participate in various activities at the Balcatta Hub every Thursday. She brings immense joy as she can interact with her Vietnamese-Australian friends, participate in activities tailored to the seniors, and converse with the dedicated staff at the CWCC. She particularly enjoys the rich Asian cultural atmosphere at the Balcatta Hub, which reminds her of her homeland.
Mrs Munckton was born in Hanoi province in northern Vietnam. When she was five, her family moved to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Coming from a well-off family, she and her seven siblings were able to pursue higher education. In 1954, amid political changes, they moved to Saigon. After completing her secondary education, Mrs Munckton pursued higher education in history and geography. In 1967, she moved to Dalat to work as a teacher. In 1977, she returned to Saigon to reunite with her family and continue teaching.
The Vietnam War had minimal impact on Mrs Munckton and her family. However, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a relentless pursuit of a new life, Mrs Munckton embarked on a courageous journey abroad. With the assistance of a fisherwoman, she navigated the treacherous sea. Eventually, she found solace in the Silkhu refugee camp in 1979. In 1980, she successfully passed an interview with an Australian delegation. She was brought to Western Australia to settle in 1981, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Adapting to the new environment did not dampen Mrs Munckton's enthusiasm. She embraced the challenges, learned English, and found employment at a renowned hotel. After five years of work, she retired early in 1989 and married Mr Munckton. Although they had no children, they enjoyed more than two decades of happiness together until her husband passed away in 2010.
Despite living alone, Mrs Munckton remains cheery and grateful for the blessings in her life. In 2019, through a neighbour's introduction, she discovered CWCC, a significant milestone in her later life. At CWCC, she didn't just find a supportive community; she found a family. The activities organised by CWCC are not just events; they are moments of connection and shared experiences that create a familial atmosphere, making Mrs Munckton feel genuinely at home.
Living independently, Mrs Munckton does not feel lonely or unfortunate. On the contrary, she is filled with gratitude for the valuable life experiences CWCC has provided her. She firmly believes that true happiness comes from within, and she emphasises the importance of recognising one's goals and responsibilities to lead a meaningful life and make positive contributions to the community. The companionship and support provided by CWCC in her later years brought her joy and a profound appreciation for life's blessings. Looking ahead, Mrs Munckton hopes to continue living a happy and healthy life, free from major health issues, appreciating a fulfilling and rewarding life.
