The Nadycz family will soon be reunited with all of the siblings living in the twin towns again: Kathy, Helen, Nic, Olga, Mary, Trisha and Chris.

One of the twin towns best known families will be reunited when the seventh and final member returns to take up residence before Christmas. The Nadycz family came to Australia as a family of three in 1950. Both born in Ukraine, Anna and Myron with son Nic were migrants seeking a better life for their family. Myron and Anna worked long hours to keep the family of nine, raising ducks, chooks and a cow for milk along with an extensive vegetable garden. Nic said they only had to buy bread. Nic’s sisters, Cathy, Helen, Mary, Christine, Trish and Olga were all born in Murrumburrah. Nic joked that when mum was giving birth the doctor didn’t always arrive on time and Mary would become the midwife. Always very close, Nic said, “We were it, we had no relatives in Australia”

They have always placed huge value on keeping in touch with one another, no matter where each of them lived. Nic is the longest resident. He grew up and worked in the towns and only left to do national service and spend time in Malaysia. He has however, spent time away on many trips overseas but has always returned. Nic has been the recipient of many community awards for work he has done in the district. Most of the girls worked in Canberra or Sydney, with Helen spending some time in Brisbane. Chris, who works at the local hospital and Mary and husband Bob, were among the first to return. Helen then came back to make the twin towns her home again. Mary and her husband Bob actually live in what was the family home in Murrumburrah. Olga’s friendly face can be seen behind the bar at the Harden District Bowling Club. She and her family returned when her mum was still with us. Kathy retired and returned to town 12 months ago.

The family is eagerly awaiting the return of Trish who will finish with her work in Banking with St George on the central coast, to take up residence here next week. The TTT suggested that the move might be a bit of wrench but Trish was quick to say, “Home is where the heart is and although this is a nice spot, it is not home”. I think it is only fair to say that in this day and age of fractured families, it is wonderful to see such a united group of people. Wouldn’t we like to be a fly on the wall Christmas Day when they all get together? You can take the family member out of the twin towns but you can’t take the twin towns out of the family member. Merry Christmas and Welcome Back!!