8 Pillars for an Exceptional Life continued: Family
In Your Exceptional Life, Marcus Pearce describes family as one of the key pillars of a meaningful and healthy life. He reminds us that an exceptional life is not built on achievement alone, but also on the strength of our closest relationships. Family gives us a sense of belonging, support and shared history. It is often through family that we feel most seen, most cared for and most connected, especially during life’s changes and challenges.
Importantly, family is not always defined by blood. For many people, family also includes dear friends, neighbours, partners, carers and the community members who walk beside us through life. These are the people who share our joys, stand with us in difficult times and help create the feeling of home. At Alumuna, this wider understanding of family is especially meaningful, reminding us that love, care and connection can be found in many forms, and that the bonds we choose can be just as powerful as the ones we are born into.
Family also plays a powerful role in shaping who we become. From our earliest years, family teaches us how to love, how to communicate, how to trust and how to respond when life feels uncertain. The values we carry, the traditions we remember and even the little phrases or habits we repeat often begin at home. Some family experiences leave us with warmth and confidence, while others teach resilience, independence and compassion. In this way, family helps forge our personality, influencing not only how we see ourselves, but also how we relate to the world around us. Marcus Pearcepresents family as one of the eight pillars that helps shape an exceptional life.
As we grow older, many of us carry these lessons into the families we help create ourselves. Whether raising children, supporting grandchildren, caring for partners or simply being a steady presence in the lives of others, we often pass on what we have learned about kindness, responsibility, humour, patience and love. Sometimes we continue treasured traditions; at other times we make conscious choices to do things differently and create healthier patterns for the next generation. In both cases, family becomes part of our legacy, shaping not only our own lives but the lives of those who come after us.
Of course, family relationships are not always easy. For some people, family brings deep comfort; for others, it can also bring heartache, disappointment or distance. When relationships are strained, it can help to remember that peace does not always require perfect closeness. Sometimes coping means setting gentle boundaries, letting go of old expectations, accepting what cannot be changed and focusing on the relationships that are supportive and life-giving. Forgiveness, where possible, can lighten the load, but so can honesty, self-respect and the understanding that chosen family can offer just as much care and belonging. At Alumuna, friendship, community and compassion can become an important source of comfort when family life feels complicated.
Spotlight on a Resident – Michael Burke
Michael has lived in Unit 9 since Feb 2025 and has provided the following in his own words.
I am a fourth-generation local from this district. Our family has farmed here for well over 100 years, and in 2025 we celebrated 100 years of owning our property, “Alanbrae”, 25 km north of Finley on South Coree Road. I am the second eldest of nine children — seven boys and two girls — and all nine of us were born at Finley Hospital. I grew up locally and attended Jerilderie Catholic School for seven years, followed by four years at Finley High School. Because of health problems when I was younger, my specialist advised that I leave school at the end of Year 10, which I did. At the start of the 1980s, we bought several neighbouring farms and, alongside my parents and brothers, threw ourselves into farming life while trying to manage high interest rates, pay our debts and keep going. It was hard work, but we made it. Those years were filled with farming, football, netball, all sorts of sport, committee work and doing our best to help our communities prosper. It was a great time.
In 2000, I moved to Leeton, NSW, and began working on a farm near the village of Murami. One day at work, I suffered a massive heart attack. Until then, I did not know I had been born with a hereditary heart condition called cardiomyopathy, or an enlarged heart. I was flown to St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney — my first trip to Sydney — and the doctors said I should not have survived. Eventually, I underwent a triple bypass. They also used a balloon to clear two other arteries and placed a stent in another. The damage to my heart was permanent, and I was told to do as little as possible for two years while it recovered from the trauma. When those two years were up, I said, “I’ve always worked hard — what now?” I was told, “You will never work again.” It was a bitter blow. I was 35 when I had my heart issues and 37 when I was told I was on the scrapheap. While visiting my late uncle and aunty, Kevin and Eileen Huntington, in Finley, I was probably at my lowest when Eileen suggested I become a volunteer driver, taking people to medical appointments. After completing all the relevant paperwork and police checks, I was fortunate to do that for 17 years. I met some wonderful people, both staff and clients, and in my book there is no better feeling than helping someone in need. Like everyone else, COVID brought our worlds to a halt in March 2020. I returned afterwards and did a little Meals on Wheels, but I knew something was not right with my health. With the border closures, things became difficult, but eventually, in June 2022, I was taken to The Alfred in Melbourne, where I stayed for several months. They discovered I had contracted a blood disease called endocarditis, possibly up to five years earlier. In the end, they operated to remove a growth near my heart. In April 2023, The Alfred carried out tests to assess me for a heart and lung transplant, but they also found my kidneys were badly damaged. I was told I would not survive a triple transplant, so the plan was to manage my health with specialists, GPs and medication. I was really struggling out on the farm when a house became available at Alumuna, and I grabbed it with both hands. In mid-February 2026, I celebrated one year at Alumuna, and it has changed my world in a hugely positive way. It is the best house I have ever lived in, with excellent medical facilities and the comfort of being part of the FRC family. I am truly very thankful to be here.
I do my walking when I am well enough, but I have not exactly rested on my laurels. I decided there were not enough dating shows on Australian television, so I devised my own. I have called it “Broken-Down Ex-Farmer Wants a Wife” — catchy, isn’t it? I have sent the pilot to every TV network in Australia. So far, I have not heard back from anyone. I blame Australia Post and Telstra, but please do not get me started on those two. Also, no doubt you have all noticed that I am quite obviously a professional bodybuilder. Now, I know what you are all thinking — Michael has overdosed on his meds. Not true. I can look each and every one of you right in the foot and promise that in my 60-plus years I have never once told a lie… although I have often been accused of handling the truth rather loosely. What is the difference, you ask? Well, it is all in the spelling. I know, I know — you all think I am far too serious. Apologies, I am trying to work on that. Just remember, people, we only get one crack at this thing called life, so let us enjoy it. So go Alumuna. Giddy-up, over and out. Cheers, Michael.
My quote of the week: “I give up” has never, ever won a race.
Thanks for sharing your story Michael – we certainly appreciate your sense of humour and maybe we have discovered an author in the making………
SAGE Pop Up Restaurant – 17th June
Alumuna residents are warmly invited to attend the FRC Pop Up Restaurant on Wednesday 17th June from 11.30am. I have viewed the menu and I can assure you, you will not be disappointed.
There is no charge for Alumuna residents, but we will need you to RSVP asap to FRC administration or to Zoe – we hope to see as many residents as possible as we don’t get the opportunity to all get together often.
Maintenance Update
You will have seen the earth works have begun for the next stage of the Village. We are very excited to see the expansion has begun following months of planning. We do apologise for any disruption caused by the construction works and please reach out to Ben or myself if you have any concerns or questions. We will try and keep you informed as much as possible along the way.
Our website now contains the Alumuna News section from the FRC monthly newsletter and along with that in the April edition there is a link for maintenance requests. This is just another way you are able to lodge a maintenance request so please make use of that.
Our Preventative Maintenance Program is soon to commence, and you should have received your notification letter with your date and time. If there is any issue with the date or time, please contact myself directly on 0409 726 984 so I can reschedule with the maintenance team.
Whilst we encourage residents to put their own mark on their rear yards, we do request that any works are discussed with management prior to commencement. We are able to provide assistance where necessary but this needs to be scheduled and costed.
As we are coming to the cooler months we do request again that residents in the Scoullar Street houses refrain from using electric heating / split system heating due to the strain these put on the solar power system – the increase in the cost of diesel is also adding to the impact on the on the cost of the generator.
Newsletter Input
If you have any items you would like added to the monthly newsletter i.e. recipe, story, ideas for the social group or changes you would like made please let me know. I welcome any input for the newsletter.
(Zoe Stringer, Alumuna Community Manager)