Judi Seath

After holidaying in Port Fairy for more than 20 years, Judi always felt a quiet pull toward the town, moving from Melbourne in 2021.

Why did you move?

From 2000 onwards, Judi returned to Port Fairy regularly, watching the community grow while holding onto the charm that first drew her in. She kept an eye on the businesses and saw they were stable, and the shop people were always very welcoming. 

“We just knew it was the right place for us,” she says.

Living in Melbourne, Judi worked as a manager of a day surgery unit — a high-pressure, demanding role. But every visit to Port Fairy brought an immediate sense of calm.

“Walking along Bank Street, you could literally feel the pressure lift. It just sings to you.”

What appealed most was the balance — seaside beauty paired with rural landscapes like nearby Tower Hill, a vibrant town without city stress, and a strong, welcoming community. It wasn’t just a summer seaside destination either. Festivals, music, food and community events filled the calendar year-round.

When they finally made the move in 2021, Judi was ready not just for a slower pace — but for a meaningful, connected life.

What surprised you about moving?

“What surprised me most was how quickly Melbourne didn’t matter anymore.”

Judi expected to miss the city — the ballet, theatre and fast pace — but instead found that everything she needed was already here. The festivals, restaurants and cultural events offered richness without the stress.

She also didn’t expect how easy it would be to create a new sense of purpose.

When she was deciding if Port Fairy was where her and her husband should retire, she asked people in the local businesses how do you become part of the community. They told her “If you want to be involved, you just volunteer.”

That simple advice opened countless doors. Judi now volunteers at the Visitor Information Centre, serves as a community representative on the Quality and Risk Committee at Moyne Health Services, reads at St Patrick’s Primary School, volunteers at the Folk Festiva, she also participates in U3A courses and plays pétanque at the local pétanque club. 

“One thing leads to another. You join one group and you’re invited into others. Before long, you’re walking down the street and people know your name.”

She’s found Port Fairy to be a place where people of all ages stay mentally and physically active — from young families involved in surf club and soccer, to retirees who seem busier than ever.

“You see people in their 80s contributing so much, and they look like they’re in the 60’s.. It’s inspiring.”

What advice do you have for new residents?

“Take your time.”

Judi is honest that belonging doesn’t happen overnight. It took around 18 months to two years before she truly felt at home.

“Don’t be hard on yourself if you’re not involved in everything straight away. Things evolve.”

Her advice is to try open days, explore groups like walking clubs or garden clubs, test activities without pressure, and do as much — or as little — as feels right.

“There’s no expectation. If you want to slow down, you can. If you want to fill your week with purpose, you can do that too.”

Most importantly, she encourages new residents to embrace the environment.

“The landscape changes all the time. The vastness makes you want to get outside. That’s when it really starts to feel like home.”