AFTER 40 years away, Jenny Akers has come full circle, trading the bustle of Sydney for the soul of Dungog – and she’s never looked back.
Born at Newcastle’s Mater Hospital and schooled at Lochinvar, Jenny always dreamed of returning to the region. But it wasn’t until her retirement in 2018 that she made the move – almost by accident.
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Arriving as a ‘grey nomad’, Jenny had planned to travel further into the Barringtons.
But heavy rain left her stranded at the Dungog Showground, where she felt something special.
“There was just a vibe, an energy. It has that effect on people,” she said.
After a test run renting with a fellow Sydneysider, the two bought homes while prices were still affordable.
Jenny used her Sydney savings to renovate with the help of a friendly local builder.
She wasn’t alone.
Around a dozen single women, all retired with superannuation, had also landed in Dungog around the same time. The group shared tradesmen, renovation tips, and soon, community roles.
Jenny threw herself into local life – five years with the James Theatre, founding Reconciliation Dungog in 2020, and more recently, volunteering with the Dungog Early Literacy Program and their bookshop.
“Anything to do with books seems to take my time,” Jenny laughed.
She also revived the Reconciliation Book Club, which is now thriving once again.
She’s a proud member of the CWA, the Dungog Walkers Group, and the Dungog Tourism Board.
And, most proudly, she’s Mum to her daughter Amy, and Olive, her Jack Russell.
“It’s got a soul,” she said of Dungog.
“It’s in transition, which I also like.
“It’s very beautiful. It’s easy to get a lovely life here, and there’s always heaps to do.”
From the Barrington rain to building a community, Jenny said she has found her place.
By Shannon BENTON
