Life is meant to be lived! Our longest serving employee, Michele Nesich, is a shining example of just that! 

While many of you will have met Michele during her 40 years with us, we asked her to share a bit more about herself. 

Here’s what she said

I am very proud of being the longest serving employee of Johnsons MME, 40 years ago as a young 16-year-old straight out of school and emigrating from the UK just 3 months prior, forming lifelong friendships with many of my co-workers.

I have two daughters Alexandra and Stephanie and am eagerly awaiting the birth of my first grandchild in August.  I have a 90 year old “young” mother who also keeps me in line!!   My brother and his family still reside in South Wales in the UK, where I grew up, and I try to meet up with them somewhere in the world every couple of years.  Hence my love of travel visiting around 16 countries to date plus hopefully many more in the future.

Overseas Volunteering

Since 2012 my partner Tony and I, along with other volunteers have travelled to Thailand every September, to volunteer in 3 children’s homes that are administered by the organisation called Mercy International. 

The 3 homes are in Khon Kean, Petchabun and Phrae. During our 2 weeks each year we help in various ways, such as:

• large projects that we fundraise for like concreting, painting, and maintenance jobs 
• everyday things that keep the homes running like gardening, cooking, cleaning, washing ironing and sewing
• helping out in the local community schools and a women’s prison

We take with us over 700kg of donated goods that will benefit the many children that reside in the 3 homes. In 2018 and 2019 my two daughters Ally and Steph travelled with me to see and experience for themselves what has driven my passion over the last 8 years. 

My partner and I sponsor 2 boys, 19 year old, Besd. We have sponsored Besd since our first visit when he was 10 years old. More recently a second boy Zion, who is 4 years old.

In my spare time…

In my spare time I love playing tennis and I am current the co-secretary of the Thurgoona Tennis Club. I co-ordinate a Fun 4 social competition on a Monday night, and play every chance I get!  Pauline Goonan & I are the Thurgoona Tennis club Ladies double champions two years in a row!   

Many long weekends are spent going off grid camping with our border collie Charlie, in our 30 year old refurbished caravan, testing the waters for retirement!

In recent times I have discovered the addictiveness of playing chess!  It has joined my love of reading, walking Charlie, growing succulents, cooking and hosting dinner parties for our family and friends.  

Life was meant to be lived!