Former premier Jay Weatherill admits he has mixed feelings about saying goodbye to the family’s Alberton home of the last 20 years.
While sad to be leaving the Queen St property – and the state he led for six years prior to the 2018 election – he’s excited about the “new adventures” ahead, having landed a dream job in Perth with Andrew Forrest’s Minderoo Foundation.
Mr Weatherill will take over as the chief executive of the foundation’s Thrive by Five initiative, which focuses on early childhood development across the country.
The 55-year-old, wife Melissa and their two teenage daughters, Lucinda and Alice, are heading west later this month, with their renovated sandstone villa going to auction on Saturday, February 1.
“We’ve just had it painted and we had a few plans about other things we were going to do and then this opportunity came up – so it’s all happened very quickly,” Mr Weatherill says.
The 487sqm property is being sold by Nick Psarros and Nathaniel Kennerdale of Ray White Port Adelaide, who describe it as a home that “ticks all the boxes for family living at its very best”.
The three-bedroom residence with an office, blends original character features such as polished timber floorboards, feature fireplaces and high ornate ceilings with a modern extension encompassing an open-plan kitchen and huge light-filled living area.
Mr Weatherill says the renovations were carried out about 10 years ago, and also incorporate a large undercover outdoor entertaining area – complete with decking, a plumbed barbecue and ceiling fan. And he’s quick to point out he kept well away from the project.
“That’s why it looks so good,” he laughs. “I didn’t touch it.”
The Weatherills bought the property in May 2000, having been renting a home “just around the corner” in King St for a few years.
“We were just a stone’s throw away. We were looking to buy and this popped up. We obviously loved the suburb and just the feel of the home.
And with Alberton Oval only a few blocks away, the staunch Port Adelaide supporter and long-serving Cheltenham MP says there is much to like about the area.
“It’s always had a great community feel to the place, with people looking out for each other,” he says.
“We like the proximity to the city – even when it’s busy you can get in there in half an hour – but we’ve also always liked being close to the beach.”
The train station offers extra convenience, while the nearby Alberton Hotel and Pear Cafe are among other features of the neighbourhood, he says.
Mr Weatherill last year became an industry professor at the University of SA, supporting MBA students in the business school. While able to maintain his relationship with the university, he says the Minderoo Foundation offer was too good to knock back.
“If I had to design a job, this would be it,” he says. “I’m too young to retire and I still wanted to make a difference in an area I’m passionate about.
“Initially I expressed some doubts because it was Perth-based, but then when I went home and spoke to the family and they were actually up for the adventure. We plan to be away for about three years, so that fits in well with the girls’ schooling.
“I’m really exited but there is a tinge of sadness, (leaving) family and friends – but we’ll still be back quite a lot.”
The property will be auctioned at 1pm on Saturday, February 1.