Stories from our community

86-year-old Dorothy Booth has called Kingston home all her life. Though she briefly left during her early married years (back when it was the City of Mordialloc), Dorothy always returned for holidays and celebrations. Thirty years ago, she made Kingston her permanent home just as the city was established. An outdoor lover from the beginning, Dorothy counts Kingston’s 13 km of bay beaches as our best-kept secret, recalling her favourite memory: “Jumping off the pier at Mentone Beach” as a young girl. In later years, Dorothy has been an active and vital volunteer with the Friends of Mentone Station & Gardens, a heritage project established in 2002 to improve the train station and its gardens into a source of community pride and enjoyment. She also served on the Mentone Parkdale Village Committee—both cherished roles that have provided her with fond memories and fast friendships. When asked what our community means to her, Dorothy says, “Kingston is more a feeling than words”—something we can all attest to. And the future? Despite inevitable progress, she hopes the city's warm, unique character will remain unchanged for future generations. We agree—our beautiful community is our greatest asset. Here’s Cheers to 30 Years!