“Hidden gem” is how you could describe the home of local school teacher, Natalie Wilksch. Between the Wunderlich ceilings, the rose lined pathway and the eclectic vintage furnishings, the property, much like Natalie, oozes character and warmth. The mum-to-be invited Danielle Wilcock into her charming home and over a cup of French earl grey, they discussed all things work, hobbies, her hubby and most significantly the impending arrival of their first child. Pictures: Ben Gross
MUSIC has long been known for its ability to bring people together.
For Natalie Wilksch, local school teacher and mum-to-be, it was music that introduced her to her husband Zachary.
They have now spent more than a decade together, each forged successful careers, moved into what she regards as their forever home and will soon welcome their first child.
“We met when I was 16 and Zak was three years older than me,” Natalie explains.
“At the time Zak was living away in a small country town called Culcairn, near Albury.
The musical pair met through mutual friends.
Engaged at 19 and married at 20, their first step onto the property market came shortly after they wed. They bought a character home much like the one they’re in now.
“We lived in a little two bedroom cottage on Walnut. It was beautiful, but it came to a point where we outgrew it,” she says.
“We had been looking at the local property market but nothing had come up. I always told Zak I wanted a pathway with white roses.
“One day Zak called me and told me he needed me to come and look at a house.
Upon arrival, Natalie saw the rose lined pathway, and immediately fell in love. After failing to sell at auction the pair negotiated a price and secured their second home.
In March last year, they moved into their charming weatherboard home.
“It’s a work in progress, but it could definitely be our forever home,” she says.
Natalie has called Sunraysia home since the age of five. She relocated with her mother and younger brother from Melbourne.
The move to Mildura was in part due to her mother’s family ties to the area. She talks fondly of her upbringing in the region and describes herself as a “proud Mildurian”.
Natalie completed all her primary and secondary schooling locally and at the age of 12, Natalie’s family became involved with a church in Red Cliffs. It wasn’t long before she, alongside her brother, developed an increasingly prevalent role in the church choir and musical programs.
“We’re a super musical family. My dad, who still lives in Melbourne, plays music, I sing and my brother plays the guitar,” she explained.
“We started singing regularly for the church and as we got older, even travelled to different schools doing motivational music performances and workshops.
It was during her time at church that she met Zak, through mutual friends.
“He was living there with his aunty who owned a small bakery, which he managed,” Natalie explained.
“We did long distance for about a year before he moved permanently back to Mildura.
Natalie and Zak’s shared passion for music not only brought them together but it has afforded many great memories and enjoyment throughout their relationship.
They have gigged together and collaboratively held musical programs in local schools.
Natalie speaks highly of her husband’s piano playing and song writing abilities but she also enthuses about her brother, Mathew’s talents with the guitar. It’s humbling to learn that the three of them often perform together, a very special opportunity for Natalie to share her love of music with two of the most important people in her life.
“We do a lot of gigs together, myself, Zak and my brother. We’ve played at places like the Corporate Moose in town,” she says.
“It’s really nice. It’s a bit of a family affair.
“Together we’ve also released an EP through the church. The band has been able to put out an EP, which was really exciting.”
Natalie’s other passion, aside from the music, is teaching. Natalie has an established and integral role at Nichols Point Primary School. Her training was completed entirely locally, both at university and on placement.
“I finished school and went straight into teaching. I completed my four years of studying Mildura at La Trobe University,” she says.
“I did placement at various schools in the Christian College, I loved being able to get into different local schools and get to know them all.”
Natalie’s decision to remain in the area for her studies is largely due to her connection to the local community. Her partner Zak, her integral role at church and her mum being a single parent, were all reasons to stay.
“After graduating in 2014, I was offered a really great opportunity at Nichols Point Primary School in a supporting role,” she says.
“I love it there, it’s a great culture.
“It’s an open plan school, so there aren’t many walls and there’s lots of space in between classes. It’s rare to have that but I think it really helps us all integrate more, teachers and students.”
In her third year, Natalie was offered the opportunity to coordinate a prep team. She spent the following three years as prep team coordinator, a role she has really embraced. Natalie was given “free reign” to do whatever she so pleased with the role and bring to it a fresh perspective.
“I was so excited to take on this role, it was a challenge for me but one I thrived off,” Natalie explains. “I was given the opportunity to build the team how I wanted and bring some new, fresh ideas. What I love most about my job is the growth you see in prep. You see them flourish from day one. I love the amazing conversations you can have with children.
“I think it’s a blessing to be part of shaping these little people, which is something I do not take lightly.”
Natalie shares much enthusiasm for her teaching. She clearly adores what she does, which is perhaps the hardest thing for her to deal with as she slows down at work and eases into her maternity leave.
“The baby is due this autumn and we’ve been working on the nursery and getting everything organised,” Natalie says.
“It’s very exciting but right about now I’d usually be hitting the op shops and prepping for the new school year.”
Natalie has found herself pottering in the garden and chipping away at renovations on their delightful home, but admits she will likely be itching to get back to work after the baby is born – simply for love of the job.
“We moved in March 2019, so we will soon have been here a year,” she says.
When asked how she was feeling about being a new mum, Natalie seems to be taking it all in her stride.
“I feel very relaxed about it all,” she says.
“Zak is very excited, if it was his choice we would have had them sooner but I just wasn’t ready for the commitment. Mum cannot wait either. She is already itching to look after the baby.
“We can’t wait to introduce our child to music. We have videos of the baby moving when Zak is playing the piano and the baby moves heaps when I’m singing in church.
It seems as though the past 12 months, everything has fallen into place for them both. New “forever” home, baby on the way, careers well and truly on track, there’s no wonder Natalie seems overwhelmingly content with her lot.
