What’s your connection to Sunshine?
I came here as a child with my family and I’ve been living here ever since. I went to school here, Glengala Park Primary, which no longer exists, and Sunshine West High School, which is now part of Sunshine College’s senior campus. I have worked at Sunshine College for two years and at another school for 16 years, in Sunshine as well. I started off as an integration aid and then I worked in administration, and then I went back as an integration aid, and then I became business manager of the school. Now I’m here [Sunshine College] as administration manager.
How did you become involved with the Brimbank SES?
Nine years ago, I joined because my children were off my hands and able to fend for themselves, so I thought now I’ve got time for myself, I’d like to volunteer for the community, and what better opportunity than to join the SES? I’ve been an active volunteer for nine years now and hold the role of deputy controller training. Part of this role is to manage all training aspects within the unit, and also training our new recruits.
What your favourite local haunts?
Growing up, I used to visit the Sunshine Roller Skating Rink when it was in Wright Street. Once I had my children, we would go to the Sunshine library, Sunshine Swimming and Leisure Centre and many of the parks in the municipality. Now I go to Sunshine Marketplace, Watergardens or Brimbank Central with my family. We meet there about twice a week for a coffee and a chat. We occasionally catch a movie at the cinema. We also visit a lot of the eateries in the area for family birthdays. I also take my nephews and nieces to the local parks on the weekends. Our favourite one is Buckingham Reserve.
What could improve Sunshine?
I guess I might be thinking along the same lines as many Sunshine residents … I would say an increase in police presence and police/community involvement in the area. This could instill trust among the community and possibly deter crime, which may then remove the stigma attached to the west. Also, if the council spent time and money on continually upgrading the parks and bike tracks around the creek.
What makes Sunshine so special?
Being such a multicultural municipality, Brimbank caters for all nations. You can see this in the variety of restaurants and shops. There is also a huge number of organisations and migrant groups to support new members to our community. Brimbank is moving with the times, modernising community buildings – the library, swimming pool and gym are great examples. Roads and public transport routes have been upgraded to cater for the increase in traffic and population growth … I also like the fact that we are so close to the city.
