Mary Zahra moved to Brimbank from Richmond 38 years ago. She didn’t know much about the area back then but a friend lived in the area who seemed to like it, so Mary bought a house and made the move to St Albans. Turning 73 in September, Mary keeps busy in her role as president of the St Albans Senior Citizens Club. She chats with Holly McGuinness
What is your connection to Brimbank?
The St Albans Senior Citizens Club. I took the job about four years ago. I used to go there to play bingo and have something to eat, then the president resigned while I was on the committee and nobody wanted to take the job so I took over. I’m not a professional … but I enjoy being there, not just because I’m president, but because I talk to everybody, I joke with everybody, you know, and I treat them equally. I cook for them, I’m the president, but I do the work and I serve coffee.
What do you love about where you live?
It’s a friendly and helpful community. I love the area, everybody is very nice and friendly, we all will stand and talk to each other, we wave to everybody. I’ve been here for 38 years and I’ve never had a problem.
What if anything would you change about where you live?
I would like more resources for the area and community. I would like to learn how to use a computer and I can not afford to pay for that because I’m on the pension. I want somebody to teach me hobbies, not just on the computer but even to do sewing. I like the rest (Of Brimbank) how it is.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
In my garden. During COVID-19 I enjoyed being outdoors and in the fresh air. I have a lot of orchids and it takes a day to clean them. When we had the disease (Covid-19) I didn’t worry, it didn’t upset me because I spent time in my garden.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
I am very independent. I help my community as much as I can and I look after my Jack Russell dogs (Linda & Brownie). My life is very busy. When my husband passed away I had to do everything for myself at home. Every chance I get when I’m off, I do my housework. I’ve got no time to go and chit chat.
