With St Patrick’s Day approaching, Newsport is shining a light on the Irish people who have made the Douglas Shire their home, including one local whose Irish spirit can be felt both in the classroom and behind the bar.

Proud Irishwoman Laura Gray is well known in the community through her work at Mossman State High School and her connection to the popular Port Douglas pubs Rattle n Hum and Paddy’s Irish Pub.

Originally from Kilcullen in County Kildare, Laura first arrived in Australia as a young backpacker, drawn by the promise of adventure on the other side of the world.

“On my first road trip as a backpacker in Australia I remember thinking, how can we drive for ten hours and not be there yet?” she said.

“In Ireland, ten hours driving would get you from the most southerly point to the most northerly point twice.

“But the thing that surprised me the most about Australia is how many things can kill you.”

Despite the differences between the two countries, Laura quickly embraced life in Far North Queensland and has become a familiar face in the Douglas Shire community.

Even after many years in Australia, Laura still holds on to the simple traditions that remind her of home.

Food, she says, is one of the easiest ways to keep that connection alive.

“Tayto crisp sandwiches and a cup of tea,” she said. “And a roast dinner on a Sunday.”