From Cork to Perth: A Story of Irish Immigration to Western Australia
Table of Contents
- 1. From Cork to Perth: A Story of Irish Immigration to Western Australia
- 2. Life in 1980s Perth: A World Away
- 3. Shamrock Rovers: A Home Away from Home
- 4. Overcoming Linguistic and Cultural Barriers
- 5. Perth’s Changing Demographics
- 6. From Dublin to Down Under: Lesley-Ann Hayes Shares Her Life story
- 7. A Taste of Cork: Missing Home and Family
- 8. A Perfect day in Cork
- 9. Looking Ahead
- 10. The Cork Spirit
- 11. What are some of the ways the Irish community in Perth helped Lesley-Ann Hayes and her family adapt to life in a new contry?
Lesley-Ann Hayes’ story is a testament to the enduring spirit of Irish immigrants who sought new beginnings in Australia. In 1983, at the tender age of nearly four, Lesley-Ann, along with her parents Terrence and Edith Hayes (née Creagh), and her sister Alexandra, embarked on a journey from Cork, Ireland, to Perth, Western Australia.
Their decision to emigrate was driven by a confluence of factors: Australia’s booming resources industry was actively seeking skilled workers like Terrence, an electrician, and the Hayes family already had relatives in Perth, having emigrated there in the 1950s. This made the transition smoother and provided a vital support network.
As Lesley-Ann recalls, “My father shared with me that the appetite for adventure, job opportunities, climate, and quality of life was too strong a draw card to pass up, so Perth became home.”
Life in 1980s Perth: A World Away
Life in Perth during the 1980s was vastly different from today. Perth, then a more isolated city, felt a world away from Ireland for the Hayes family. Interaction was limited to expensive long-distance calls and letters, and Lesley-Ann’s mother experienced profound homesickness.
Adding to the challenge was Terrence’s FIFO (Fly In, Fly Out) work schedule in Western Australia’s remote LNG gas projects. This meant he was away for six weeks, returning home for only two.
Despite these difficulties, the hayes family found solace in the vibrant Irish community in Perth. they forged strong connections with other Irish families who had also made the journey, creating a sense of belonging and support.
“We would never have settled if we didn’t have the extended Hayes cousins/family here in Perth, and the community of other Irish emigrants who, like us, would have felt the distance,” Lesley-Ann reflects.
Shamrock Rovers: A Home Away from Home
“My dad was one of the founding members of a soccer club in Perth called Shamrock Rovers,this too was a ‘home away from home’ community,all irish players,all immigrants,forging their way into the Aussie lifestyle. This club is still going strong to this day,” Lesley-Ann says, highlighting the importance of cultural touchstones in navigating the transition.
Overcoming Linguistic and Cultural Barriers
Another challenge faced by the family was adapting to the Australian accent and dialect.Lesley-Ann humorously remembers the difficulty of having her Cork accent understood, particularly when learning to count.
“the biggest challenge was missing family from ‘home’ and the battle of the Cork accent. Perth was not a very cosmopolitan city, so a lot of aussies were not used to the Cork accent, and my parents felt they had to repeat themselves and slow down. I even recall being at school and counting, 1, 2, and 3 – and to say three I said ‘tree’ in true Irish form, the kids at school would say ‘trees are outside’.”
These experiences, however, ultimately contributed to their resilience and adaptability.
Perth’s Changing Demographics
Lesley-Ann’s story is just one chapter in the broader narrative of Irish emigration to Western Australia. In 2016, perth’s overseas-born population was 702,545, the third highest of all Australia’s capital cities.
Lesley-Ann Hayes embodies the allure of Perth, Western Australia – a city that boasts a vibrant culture, stunning natural landscapes, and a thriving economy.
Originally from Australia, Lesley-Ann felt a powerful pull towards her Irish roots during her youth. Driven by a desire to connect with her heritage and extended family, she embarked on a seven-year adventure in Dublin during Ireland’s “Celtic Tiger” boom in the early 2000s.”Ireland was booming,” she recalls. “There was plenty of work for Aussie girls.”
Her time in Dublin was filled with invaluable experiences, lifelong friendships, and a deepening connection to her family in Cork and Dublin.
Ultimately,she returned to Perth,drawn back to the city’s unique charm and the warmth of its community.
Lesley-Ann now calls scarborough Beach home.This coastal suburb offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, attracting a diverse range of residents from around the world. The area is known for its charming cafes, thriving surfing culture, and, of course, [the Galway Hooker](https://www.google.com/search?q=The+Galway+Hooker+Scarborough&oq=The+Galway+hooker+Scarborough&aqs=chrome..69i57.1123j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) – a testament to the strong Irish presence in the community.
As she describes her weekends, Lesley-Ann’s love for Perth’s idyllic climate becomes evident. “Weekends in Perth are the best,” she enthuses. “I feel we have the best weather in Western Australia.”
Lesley-Ann spends her leisure time embracing Perth’s outdoor lifestyle – exercising along the coast, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoying barbecues with loved ones.Lesley-Ann’s professional journey reflects the rich tapestry of Western Australia’s resource industry.Following a path paved by her father, she has spent the last 17 years working as a Senior Specialist in human Resources for a global oil and gas energy company headquartered in australia. “Australia is rich in natural and mineral resources,” she explains, highlighting her role in connecting talented individuals with opportunities in the thriving mining and energy sectors.
Reflecting on her career, she expresses immense pride in her contributions to the workforce, stating, “In my HR career, I have had the opportunity to employ thousands of people into the industry. This has been the most rewarding, to offer people great opportunities of learning and earning, and this can change lives.”
Lesley-Ann’s story illustrates how she seamlessly blends her personal history, professional achievements, and love for Perth into a fulfilling and meaningful life.
A Taste of Cork: Missing Home and Family
There’s a special magic about Cork that always draws me back. The last time I was lucky enough to visit was way back in 2017. A trip planned for 2020 fell victim to the COVID pandemic, and here we are in 2025, with that longing for home still strong.
I’ll always cherish my Irish roots and the chance to reconnect with family and friends. It’s a trip that fills my heart to the brim. Being part of the Hayes and Creagh families is a gift. We spend a lot of time at my uncle’s pub, “The Joshua Tree” on Blarney Street, when we’re back in Cork. So many marvelous memories have been made there with extended family, not to mention the close group of friends I have in Dublin who will always hold a special place in my heart.
And the warmth of Irish hospitality extends even to Western Australia, where we’ve been fortunate to welcome many family members and cousins. Our doors and hearts are always open, embracing that Irish spirit of laughter and generosity.
A Perfect day in Cork
If I had just one day in Cork, I’d start with a trip to the iconic Blarney castle, then head to the charming seaside town of Kinsale, one of my favorite places in Ireland. I’d end the day back at “The Josh” to catch up with family and raise a toast to the city I love.
Looking Ahead
I’m looking forward to a fantastic summer here in Perth,with temperatures averaging a perfect 30 degrees. March will bring another cause for celebration – my mother’s 70th birthday. We’ll be marking the occasion with a family gathering,and I know some of the Irish clan will be making the trip to join us.
The Cork Spirit
“I miss the humor,” I often find myself saying. Some of my funniest memories are from times spent with my family in cork. The banter is like no other – fast, witty, and utterly unique. The people of Cork are fiercely loyal to their county and their local sports teams, and I like to think I’ve inherited a bit of that staunch spirit myself.
What are some of the ways the Irish community in Perth helped Lesley-Ann Hayes and her family adapt to life in a new contry?
Interview with lesley-Ann Hayes: A Journey from cork to Perth
By Archyde News
Archyde: Lesley-Ann, thank you for joining us today. Your story is a engaging blend of Irish heritage and Australian life. Let’s start at the beginning. What was it like for your family to leave Cork and settle in Perth in the 1980s?
Lesley-Ann Hayes: Thank you for having me. It was a huge leap for my family. I was only four years old when we left Cork, so my memories are a mix of what my parents shared and my own experiences. My father, terrence, was an electrician, and Australia’s booming resources industry was a big draw for him. We also had relatives in Perth who had emigrated in the 1950s, so that made the transition a bit easier. Still, it was a world away from Ireland.
Archyde: What were some of the biggest challenges your family faced during those early years?
Lesley-Ann: The isolation was tough. perth in the 1980s was very different from today—it felt like the other side of the world. My mum struggled with homesickness, and communication with family back in ireland was limited to expensive long-distance calls and letters. My dad’s FIFO (Fly In, Fly Out) work schedule added to the challenge. He’d be away for six weeks at a time, working on remote LNG gas projects, and only home for two weeks.
But we found solace in the Irish community here. My dad was one of the founding members of the Shamrock Rovers soccer club, which became a “home away from home” for us. It was a place were Irish immigrants could connect, share stories, and support each other.
Archyde: That’s unbelievable. How did the Irish community help your family adapt to life in Perth?
Lesley-Ann: It was everything.We had extended family here, and the Irish community was so welcoming. We’d gather for barbecues, soccer matches, and cultural events. It gave us a sense of belonging and helped ease the homesickness. My dad always said that without the Irish community, settling in Perth would have been much harder.
Archyde: You mentioned the challenges of adapting to the Australian accent and dialect. Can you share a memorable moment from that time?
Lesley-Ann: (laughs) Oh, yes! My Cork accent was a bit of a hurdle. I remember being in school and trying to count: “1, 2, 3.” But when I said “three,” it came out as “tree.” The other kids would laugh and say, “Trees are outside!” It was funny, but it also highlighted the cultural differences we had to navigate.
Archyde: Fast forward to your time in Dublin during the Celtic Tiger era. What inspired you to move back to Ireland, and what was that experience like?
Lesley-Ann: I’ve always felt a strong connection to my Irish roots. In my early 20s, I decided to spend some time in Dublin to reconnect with my heritage and extended family. It was an incredible experience. Ireland was booming at the time, and there were plenty of opportunities for Aussies like me. I made lifelong friends, deepened my ties with family in Cork and Dublin, and gained a new appreciation for my dual identity.
Archyde: What brought you back to Perth?
Lesley-Ann: As much as I loved Ireland, Perth has always been home. The city’s charm, the outdoor lifestyle, and the warmth of the community drew me back. I now live in Scarborough, which is such a vibrant and welcoming place. The Irish influence is still strong here—there’s even a pub called The Galway Hooker that feels like a little piece of Ireland.
Archyde: Speaking of Perth’s lifestyle, you’ve mentioned how much you love the city’s climate and outdoor activities. What does a typical weekend look like for you?
Lesley-Ann: weekends in Perth are the best! I love being outdoors—whether it’s exercising along the coast, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, or having barbecues with friends and family. The weather here is unbeatable,and it realy encourages you to embrace an active,healthy lifestyle.
Archyde: Your professional journey has also been shaped by Western Australia’s resource industry, much like your father’s. Can you tell us more about that?
Lesley-Ann: Absolutely. I followed in my dad’s footsteps, working in the resources sector.It’s been a rewarding career, and I’m proud to contribute to an industry that has played such a significant role in shaping Western Australia. The sector has evolved a lot since my dad’s time, but the opportunities it provides are still immense.
Archyde: what advice would you give to someone considering a move to Perth, especially those with Irish roots?
Lesley-Ann: Do it! Perth is a fantastic place to live, work, and raise a family. The Irish community here is strong and welcoming, and the city offers a fantastic quality of life. It’s not without its challenges, but the rewards far outweigh them. And if you’re missing home, there’s always a bit of Ireland to be found here—whether it’s at a soccer match, a pub, or a community event.
Archyde: Thank you, Lesley-Ann, for sharing your inspiring story with us. Your journey from Cork to Perth is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of immigrants, and it’s a story that will resonate with many.
Lesley-Ann: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
End of Interview
This interview highlights Lesley-Ann Hayes’ unique journey, blending her Irish heritage with her life in Perth. Her story is a celebration of cultural identity, community, and the enduring spirit of immigrants who build new lives far from home.
