David Bennett has lived in Brimbank since returning to Melbourne in late 2007. He ran a business consultancy in Queensland for 10 years and this year will be president of the Rotary Club of Brimbank Central for the second time. He’s also vice-president and booking officer for Brimbank Bicycle Education Centre. He speaks with Charlene Macaulay
What do you like about Brimbank?
I really like the diversity of people and the variety of cultures that exist in the Brimbank area. I’ve had the opportunity to attend various cultural events and activities, and met people who are just so grateful for the opportunity they have been given to start a new life in a country like Australia.
If you could change one thing about Brimbank, what would it be, and why?
There aren’t enough jobs and opportunities for younger people. We need to help our youth to have their talents and skills discovered. They need the support of local business owners to give them opportunities. People who are given a chance rarely let down those who provide it.
I’d like to see more programs run to help newer arrivals settle in, and teach them about our Australian culture and how to “fit in”. There are many new arrivals who struggle with the way we live and do things, who could benefit from programs to educate them about how to deal with personal issues and problems, especially our road rules.
What is your favourite Brimbank eatery or place to get a coffee?
I don’t really have one because I enjoy eating a wide variety of foods so I’ve tried many different restaurants and eateries.
What do you do in your downtime?
Being retired has enabled me to pursue a number of interests. I’m very involved with Rotary as a member of the club of Brimbank Central as well as being on the district leadership team.
I’m responsible for running the Rotary Leadership Institute program that teaches people about Rotary and leadership. I’m now very busy planning with my team for my third stint as a Rotary club president.
I volunteer one day a week at the Sacred Heart Mission’s Hands on Health Clinic at
St Kilda and have been doing this for more than six years. It’s a very rewarding activity that I know makes a real difference for people who are marginalised or disadvantaged.
I am now the vice-president and booking officer for the Brimbank Bicycle Education Centre (formerly the Green Gully Traffic Safety Centre) and part of a new committee of management that is working hard to promote the centre within Brimbank.
I enjoy all sorts of sports and am an avid member of the Geelong Football Club.
I enjoy reading, mostly biographies as I find stories about people’s lives really interesting.
Most of all I enjoy being a parent and grandparent.
Why did you join the Rotary Club of Brimbank Central?
Never having lived in the area I knew that joining a local Rotary club would enable me to learn more about and get connected with the local community.
When I arrived in Melbourne at the end of 2007, I took the time to go and visit a few Rotary clubs in the area, and found my visits to the club of Brimbank Central to be the most welcoming and enjoyable. I was made to feel part of their Rotary family from the first visit and I have thoroughly enjoyed the past seven years as a member. It’s a club that punches well above its weight in terms of what it is able to achieve.
There are some very dedicated people and it’s a joy to work with them.
