Nino D’Agruma moved to the Brimbank area 27 years ago and is involved in the Men’s Shed program at Westvale Community Centre, run by Brimbank council. He spoke to Sam Porter about his community.
What do you like about where you live?
I live in a location with lots of trees, open spaces and parks. This creates a sense of calmness, which is also reflected in parks where you see families on walking trails, bike tracks and dog parks. There are many amenities to suit all needs for the community, swimming and fitness centres, sporting amenities, skate parks, football and soccer facilities for young and old. And you often sight a group of fun-loving seniors playing bocce and giggling at the park down the village. There is ample access to public transport and schools, a good variety of shopping facilities for all and a good selection of food and coffee shops.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
Like all suburbs where crime seems to be escalating, it would be welcomed to see more police presence.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Many a Saturday morning ritual is sitting in the car, coffee in hand, with my wife, trying to sight kangaroos feasting in old farm lands close to the Overnewton Castle.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I did my apprenticeship at A.D.I. (former ammunition factory). I worked my way up to foreman.I worked on experimental projects which were security classified and later implemented into production. After A.D.I, I relocated to Benella. My wife and children opened a bakery/food shop which we worked on for approximately 13 years. And at this time I was one of the original directors of the Community Bendigo Bank (Strathmore) for five years. This experience was something I keep close to my heart. I learnt and experienced many facets of human behaviour. What can be achieved when working in unison.
How did you get involved with the Westvale Community Centre?
I’ve been involved at Westvale Community Centre since 2005 when a friend asked if I would like to be involved in helping him maintain the large garden area.I found the gardening very beneficial and relaxing, being an outdoor activity. I invited my wife to participate.
Along the way the then manager invited us to start up a conversation club at Westvale Community Centre. This was designed as a confidence building exercise for migrants and new arrivals to the area, to improve language skills and up their language confidence.
About the same time the council initiated a men’s shed program at Westvale. I was invited to help implement the program and to this day I’m actively involved as a champion (leader).
Being involved with the men’s shed has improved my health and wellbeing and over time I can see that most participants benefit from this experience.
Mondays we have a social group which entails conversation and coffee, allowing these men to express how they’re feeling with no judgement. Thursday is for working on your individual projects and help is available from more experienced members if needed. Tuesdays caters for the women’s shed. Again individual projects are worked on and again with help where needed to be able to improve their skills.
Moving to my area has given me the opportunity to increase my circle of friends and acquaintances from varied backgrounds. And in turn in my neighbourhood I have gained dear friends.
