Tracey grew up in Denman, a small village in Hunter Valley in Australia, approximately 250 kilometres north of Sydney. The road to Åland went via Kotka on the mainland, where Tracey did an exchange year through Rotary before later returning to Finland for further studies.

She came to Åland with her family in 1992, when her Finnish husband received a temporary position as a prosecutor.

– Even though we moved here temporarily, I immediately felt a sense of belonging – a feeling of destiny, of fate.

That feeling has stayed with her over the years.

A lot of life in a small format

What Tracey appreciates most about living in Åland is the combination of small-town charm and vibrancy.

– It's like having a big city's events calendar in a small-town idyll. Something is always happening, even during the winter months.

Culture and events go hand in hand with a clear balance between work and leisure.
– I also have great friends, meaningful work and hobbies that enrich life.

Security and quality of life

When Tracey describes Åland to friends and family outside the islands, two things keep coming up:
– It is a safe community in a natural paradise.

The sense of security, combined with nature and quality of life, has been decisive in her choice to stay.

– I thrive in Åland because life here offers a harmonious balance between work, nature and community.