A Family Story.   The Trincas.  OLSH Parish, Randwick

Although Paul and Eileen Trinca originated in opposite directions from Sydney, they decided to settle in the Randwick area in 2006 ahead of starting their family.  They are blessed to have three adoring children Mollie 12, Harry 10, and Charlotte 9.  They have been active members of the OLSH community since this time and heavily involved originally with Platinum Pre School and then subsequently in OLSH Primary School community attended by their children. Eileen has been the President of the school’s Parents and Friends Association for the last 3 and a bit years, something that she enjoys doing and her way of putting something back into their community.

The children were all christened at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart by Eileen’s uncle Father Brian  Bailey, .  They were so blessed to be able to enjoy their spiritual welcoming into the Catholic faith by a close family relative, something that not all families can experience. Eileen’s Auntie, Sr Patricia Bailey, a Dominican Sister, was also at their christening and has continued to provide spiritual guidance with her many visits to see her much loved grandnieces and nephew.  Auntie Trish was awarded an OAM last year for her service to education, particularly for the deaf and hearing impaired.

Paul and Eileen’s three children all lead a full life enjoying playing a variety of sports, which generally Paul and/or Eileen are also involved with through either coaching, managing or just cheering from the sidelines. Their children also enjoy bike riding with their friends, learning a musical instrument and cooking from time to time to help Mum in the kitchen.  They all have a strong sense of family and love spending precious time with their Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and many cousins on both sides of the family.

Paul was born and raised in Bellambi, a northern suburb of Wollongong, to an Australian born Italian father and an Australian born Scottish/Irish mother.  He had a Catholic upbringing with an older brother and sister and a younger sister, where they attended Mass at the local St Columbkille's Church, Corrimal. Paul grew up living next door to his Italian grandparents in a double block where they grew fresh fruit and vegetables, but grapes were the most abundant produce. Result? The family were able to make their own wine and jam.  And of course, Paul and his siblings would delight in the annual grape foot stomping ritual.

Paul, an Electrical Engineer, has spent most of his time working for BlueScope Steel either initially as a cadet, as an employee for almost 20 years or as a contractor as he is currently engaged.  Due to his connection with a German company during a project at BlueScope, Paul sought to expand his horizons and worked for them in a project in Brazil. Paul found it uplifting to experience such a different culture to our own in a country that openly promotes their religious beliefs. It was beyond awe inspiring to visit Mount Corcovado and be at the base of such an iconic religious monument to Christ the Redeemer.

It was a result of Paul’s adventure to Brazil that he met Eileen.  Not in Brazil! But locally at a pre-Brazil party at Clovelly beach. Paul was fortunate enough to meet Eileen, and the rest they say is history.

Eileen Bailey was raised in Maitland with her three brothers, from a devout Catholic father with an Irish background and a mother with a Lebanese background.  She moved to Mosman with her Mum and three brothers when she was nine.  Eileen attended Sacred Heart Primary school in Mosman before going to boarding school, Frensham in Mittagong for years 7-9.  She returned home to finish high school as a day student, although she really missed the adventure of boarding!

Eileen’s grandmother was an amazing cook of Lebanese food from recipes which were passed down through the generations. Eileen is keen to keep this tradition going and is forever getting tips and techniques from her mother. Eileen is fortunate   to have many of these recipes handed down to her through her personally signed Great Aunt’s cookbook.

Eileen was lucky enough to do a lot of travelling with her Mum as a child, which really fostered her love of travel. From Eileen’s journeys around the world, she has always been drawn to the different cultural and religious differences of the countries she has visited. But nothing has deterred her from her own strong beliefs due to her strong Catholic background and upbringing. This love of travel led Eileen to work as a travel agent for many years before starting a family. 

Her favourite part of the newspaper is still the travel section!