Story by Rhylea Thompson

From becoming a scuba diving instructor at 56, to working for some of Sydney’s most affluent families in the 1960s and living in several countries, Liz Crowe has a lifetime of fascinating stories to share.

But few experiences compare to the unforgettable day she gave birth to twin boys—in the back of an ambulance.

While Liz and her husband Mike now call Seasons home, the couple were living in a small mining town in Tasmania, when she discovered she was pregnant.

BREAKING NEWS: Seasons Living Mango Hill resident Liz Crowe with the newspaper article about the birth of her twin sons Adam and Shane. Picture: Rhylea Thompson

On a Friday evening around her due date, her doctor knocked on the door and instructed her not to go into labour over the weekend as he would be away fishing. Naturally, Liz’s water broke the next day.

With the local hospital still under construction and the nearest facility 74 miles away, Liz and Mike contacted the local Ambulance Officer, Norm, for assistance. There was just one problem.

“Norm was drunk as a skunk,” Liz said.

“It was his birthday, and everyone was at his place for a barbecue… the next thing I knew, his wife was running out with a basket of towels, apologising and shoving Norm into the back of the ambulance.”

FAMILY ALBUM: A selection of photos of twins Adam and Shane, shared by their mum and Seasons resident Liz Crowe. Picture: Supplied

With Liz, Mike and Norm in the back of the ambulance and another local nominated as driver, the group did not get very far before Liz gave birth to her first son Adam.

“I swear, with God as my witness, this happened,” Liz said.

“My doctor had mentioned there was a possibility of a multiple birth, but it was never confirmed… it was a bit different in those days.

“So there was Michael holding his newborn son in his arms – when, seven minutes after Adam’s birth, I start getting this pain again and I just went ‘Oh s***! I think there’s another one coming.’”

This time, the driver pulled the ambulance over and just like his twin brother moments earlier, Shane was born.

BORN ABOARD: Seasons resident Liz Crowe (far right) with her mother-in-law and two twin sons Adam and Shane. Picture: Supplied

When they finally arrived at the hospital, Liz was rushed into theatre and received 13 stitches.

“It was freezing in Tassie at the time, so all I wanted was a warm cup of tea,” she recalled.

“My father was a very strong man, and I think there’s a lot of Dad in me, so I think that’s where my resilience comes from.”

Now in their late 50s, Adam and Shane both served in the navy for many years, before they started a successful business, servicing helicopters and planes. Their careers have taken them around the world and the pair now have families of their own.

EMERGENCY EXIT: A copy of the newspaper article about Seasons resident Liz Crowe, who gave birth to her twin sons in the back of an ambulance. Picture: Supplied

‘You’re home Matty’: Loving mum’s heartfelt tribute to late son

While Liz believes her life has been full, she has also suffered heartache, especially when she and Mike lost their youngest child Matthew under tragic circumstances.

When Matthew discussed the big dreams he had for the family’s Tasmanian property, his parents gifted him the 67-acre farm. He then planted a rose garden in the shape of a boomerang as a special way to pay homage to his mum’s Indigenous heritage.

After his passing, Liz and Mike brought Matthew’s ashes home and laid them to rest in the same garden.

HEARTFELT TRIBUTE: After Matthew’s passing, parents and Seasons residents Liz and Mike Crowe laid their son to rest in the rose garden he planted on the family farm in Tasmania. Picture: Contributed (Stock Image)

“It was Matty’s farm, so we wanted to take him home,” Liz said.

“I told him, ‘Matty, you’re home. No one can take you away now—this will always be your home.’

“He was one of those kids everyone knew—and he was deeply loved.”

In a touching gesture, Matthew’s school friends sent a rose to Liz and Mike every day to plant in garden.

LIFELONG LEGACY: After Matthew’s passing, parents and Seasons residents Liz and Mike Crowe laid their son to rest in the rose garden he planted on the family farm in Tasmania. Picture: Contributed (Stock Image)

The family eventually sold the farm and one of the new owners confided in Liz after she told them about the significance of the garden.

“She placed one hand over her mouth and said, ‘You’re not going to believe this, but every night when I walk to the back shed, someone walks with me… I don’t hear footsteps, but I feel a tall presence beside me – and the dogs seem to accept whoever it is,’” Liz said.

“I just smiled and said, ‘Yeah, that would be Matty.’”

To this day, the Crowe family still visit Matthew’s resting place on the farm.