Julie (Jules) Lewin

PhD.,MCogSc.,BSc.,DipIntCareScience(Hons).,RN.,MACE.,JP

As the result of a crushing injury to my leg several years ago I have a permanent disability and walk with the help of crutches.  Knowing how difficult it can be to find accessible, inclusive holiday accommodation, Maggie and I decided to create something ourselves.  I therefore resigned from a tenured position as a lecturer in medical science (pathophysiology and pharmacology) in Sydney, and we headed for the warmth and beauty of the evergreen Tweed Valley.

As a Registered Nurse (RN0482351) and having been Chairperson of the University's Occupational Health and Safety Committee for several years,  I am committed to ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and safety in dealing with all aspects of the Guesthouse. 

I have been honoured with Awards for Excellence in both nursing and tertiary education, and although I take my responsibilities seriously there is nothing better than a good old belly laugh… and great tucker.

So, welcome to the Uki Guesthouse.  It’s casual, comfy and relaxed.

Cheers, Jules

Maggie Wilkins-Russell

My background is in education, having spent many years as a classroom teacher, music teacher, principal of a large primary school, founding director of a music school and music consultant for the education department.  For ten years I was also employed as a music editor for a publishing company.  My particular area of expertise is the blending of music and ceremony which I combined with my other work as an authorised celebrant.  I play several musical instruments and have published a number of original compositions. 

Before leaving Sydney I managed my own award-winning business for some 15 years, conducting workshops for groups and communities throughout Australia and New Zealand, as well as lead a number of choirs around Sydney.  In fact, this was how Jules and I met — she was a member of one of the university choirs for which I was the director!

Although I’ve lived and worked in cities for most of my adult life, I was actually raised in a small country village, so I’m delighted to be now living in this stunningly beautiful part of the world. I love Uki, especially the warmth, generosity and creativity of its people.  

I hope you will enjoy your visit to the area and look forward to having you stay with us.

Maggie

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Cover Story  - Access All Areas

Reporter - Nadine Fisher
Tweed Daily News
December 12, 2006, Liftout p6-7

Left sitting in her wheelchair as students passed to make it into the elevator leaving no room for a wheelchair-bound lecturer was an important moment for Jules Lewin.
It was the moment she realised she wanted to do something more in life.
Ms Lewin was a university lecturer in medical science specialising in intensive care as well as post-graduate lecturer in intensive care, cardiology and palliative care at ACU National University in Sydney.
Ms Lewin said she had spent 15 years in nursing and 15 years in education and had thought she was aware of access issues.
"In 1989 I had a renovating accident in which my left leg (was) crushed" Ms Lewin said.
"And when I was left at that lift I was infuriated as I had become invisible" she said.
"If you're in a wheelchair people suddenly think you're hard of hearing and your IQ drops - it's very demoralizing.
"And it's these attitudes that keep people disabled - not the injury itself.  All you want is a fair go, fair access."

Ms Lewin and her partner Maggie Russell decided they wanted to create a place that catered for all people but particularly welcomed those with a disability.
Having looked around the Tweed area they settled on Uki after purchasing the old Uki Village Guesthouse, reopened as Uki Guesthouse.
"Our original idea was to build cabins but people who have a disability are already isolated and we didn't want to create that type of environment" Ms Lewin said.
"When we saw the guesthouse on the market we thought it would be perfect, and after 12 months of renovations we're open for business."

Ms Russell, who comes from a teaching/principal background, having worked with children with hearing impairments and holding a degree in musicology, said they had endeavoured to think of everything - to cater for all needs.
"We have four guest bedrooms with three accessible bathrooms, a commercial kitchen and breakfast bar" she said.
"There's a pool with an electronic transfer seat and toilets are fitted with an electronic bidet to allow people to retain their dignity."

The couple strongly support people's independence using technology and the design layout to enable this.
"We have an automatic opener on the pool gate and radio buzzers for guests at night should they need help.  We also have two mobility scooters for the use of guests." Ms Russell said.
"Jules is prepared to assist with light medical duties as she is a fully qualified and registered nurse" she said.
"Bev, our assistant manager, is nursing trained and has worked in aged care as well.
"We have tried to create a place where absolutely anyone can relax and enjoy the area."
Uki Guesthouse is located just across the road from the river where the community is making a sensitivity walk which goes down to Platypus Corner.
Ms Russell said they had overwhelming support from the locals in Uki and were hoping Uki would become totally accessible and be a model village.
"The locals have been so enthusiastic, so welcoming and encouraging" Ms Russell said.
"And we thank Council for their recent work in the village to improve access too" she said.
Ms Lewin, who is now on crutches, said after they bought the guesthouse they had to re-stump, rewire and re-plumb, level the floors, widen doors along with major drainage work, install a pool and commercial kitchen.
"It's been a huge amount of work to get done but we're very excited at finally being able to open our doors to guests" Ms Lewin said.
"We have done a lot of work ourselves and had a tremendous team of tradespeople and friends who have lent a hand" she said.
"It's all a bit overwhelming but there's a real sense of achievement.  It's more than we ever imagined."
Ms Russell said the house had been built in the 1920's closer to the river but had been moved back after the 1954 floods.
"The older residents here talk about it having been the hub of the village - they used to have dances here - and it's nice to restore it for the benefit of the community." Ms Russell said.
"There are also old photos of the area hanging throughout the house" she said.
"There's a tremendous sense of community spirit here and everyone is environmentally conscious - we couldn't have picked a better place."
Ms Lewin said it was the best move they could have made.
"Our aim is to make it right and we have a commitment to quality" Ms Lewin said.
"Because people with disabilities are not their disabilities - they are people first" she said.