Janet Dillon says she’s the type who will sleep when she’s six feet under.
This uber-busy takes a moment to talk to Ben Cameron about her passion for sport, dancing and glitter.
How long has Brimbank been home for you?
About 40 years, I was in Albanvale before I moved to Keilor Downs.
We built our first home in Albanvale, it was our first home when we got married.
There was nothing behind us, just parks and cows; I was horrified, I did not want to live there! Deer Park shopping centre, where I work now, wasn’t even there, it was vacant land … the shopping centre was built, in 1979.
So we moved in around 76.
You’ve got a good memory for dates.
I’m big on numbers, I’ve been in Keilor Downs for 31 years in the same house.
I’ve been working here at the clinic for 34 years, my daughter’s done dancing for 23 years, basketball for 20.
I don’t do things for a year; I do things long-term.
You’ve been at the Deer Park medical centre for more than three decades. You must have come to know a lot of patients over the years?
Unfortunately, I’ve seen a few pass away, some of my favourite patients. I’m in pathology now; I take blood for a living.
They all come in and say ‘you haven’t changed a bit; you’ve only got wrinklier’ (laughs).
Their kids know my kids, it’s a real family feel here.
And I hear your mum’s 95?
She still lives in Spotswood, and dad’s a former Williamstown councillor, for about 35 years, until they amalgamated.
He was also mayor.
Were you tempted to run for Brimbank council?
A few times. But then they were dismissed.
I was really interested in local council, but I just knew how much time dad used to give up.
So I never stood.
So, sport is your main passion?
Basketball, football and dancing.
My eldest son actually moved to Japan and set up a footy team overseas.
My husband at the time worked with the AFL, so they got a sponsorship deal.
They had a tournament in Japan with some ex patriots.
It ran for about six years.
What’s the appeal with dancing?
I used to do ballroom dancing locally in Yarraville. I love anything with glitter.
I work with needles during the day and then of a night I sew, so I’m needles morning, day and night.
Lots of different needles.
What else do you love about being in Brimbank?
I love to shop local.
I’m on every committee, for dancing or basketball.
I don’t get time to be bored, and I’m a night owl.
People ask when I sleep and I say sleeping’s for the dead!
