What’s your connection to Hobsons Bay?
I arrived in Australia in 1981 and the first thing when I watched the news is the Prince and Princess of Wales officially coming to Altona North to open the Mason community housing commission … I just love the Altona North area and I just said, ‘wow, if the royals come to that area, that must be good’. So, in ’85, when I met my husband and we decided to settle in, I said Altona North is a perfect place. So, we bought the place in ’85, got married in the backyard and have had four children since then.
What do you love about Altona North?
The whole Paisley Park complex, the whole area: the park and just surroundings, with so much greenery and parks. The school, the church and the whole sports complex. They’re just so awesome.
What would you change?
I think more places for people to assimilate, like little trade areas, little shops – like we have in Second Avenue, which is only one or two shops.
A small strip for a cup of coffee where the locals can come in and catch up.
What brought you to Australia from Vietnam?
I came to Australia as a refugee after the war in 1975. My father was in a refugee camp: he was a high army officer. I arrived on my own as a refugee.
Can you tell me about the Vietnamese Association in Hobsons Bay?
It’s just recently established in February this year. We always did volunteer work outside the area but we never actually knew much about Hobsons Bay and we’ve got so much going on because we’re bordering Newport, Altona, South Kingsville, Yarraville and Williamstown and we just needed to form an association and maybe we can contribute something.
For information search for Vietnamese Association in Hobsons Bay on Facebook
