When Ted first moved to Australia, he and Tessie lived in Tessie’s father’s house in Hopkins St, Moonah. But by 1958 the couple had three children, and it was clear they needed more room.

At the time a new block of Government housing had been built in Chigwell and there were around 1250 houses available for people on limited means with a certain amount of children.

“With a bit of luck, you got a house,’ Ted said.

“We applied to the Tasmanian Government and we were able to get a house on a 51 year contract."

Although the original contract for the house had a 51-year repayment schedule, Ted received a letter in 1979 informing him that he could pay the balance of his debt, if he was able to.

“I could afford to pay what they wanted to pay the house off, so I paid it off. It was wonderful to own my own house,” he said.

“Not only did I get the house, but I had my first trip home that year."

1979 was also the year Ted became an Australian citizen.