Simone Tetevano

Our story in Avondale began in 1968 when my grandparents bought land on Mead Street. In 1969 they built this house. Our bloodline has lived in this house ever since, almost like our generation's backdrop. 

My mum and her five siblings went to Rosebank Primary, Avondale Intermediate, and Avondale College. Today my parents live on Esmeralda Avenue, where they purchased a home in 2002. My uncle has purchased a home on Mead Street, also. We are Avondale through and through. 

My best memories with my daughters in this neighbourhood are their first daycare and primary school days. They each are so different yet so similar. A core memory I’ll always cherish with them is walking to and from my parents' house to my nanas on Mead Street. Each time, they are greeted with a delicious treat from my nana. Family lunches at my nana's house are another highlight. We still gather there today for every occasion. 

Avondale has weaved into my experiences with motherhood. To me, motherhood is a gift from God that I am blessed to have. This gift also means “home” - we mamas are the glue that holds our families together. We are strong “multi-taskers” and a safe space for our babies when needed. Motherhood is part of my identity that I proudly wear every single day.

My hope for my daughters is that they grow up unapologetically knowing and understanding where we come from. I want them to know the strong line of women who have come before them and represent them. 

I want them to live in every moment and be grateful for every day they have on this earth. I hope they laugh as loud as they want, love just as hard, and, whatever it is they choose to be later in life, that they stand firm in their self-belief and inspire others around them.