She grew up in Kenya and lived in Dubai, but Delahey resident and community volunteer Tahira Sheikh says Brimbank is home.
Where’s your favourite retreat spot?
I visit Brimbank Park with my family on weekends. It’s a beautiful place to walk. I like going to Delahey Reserve during the week as I can walk there from my place.
Favourite place to grab coffee or a bite to eat?
Tandoori Indian restaurant in Sunshine. They have really nice spicy food. Alfrieda Street in St Albans is also great because they have lots of restaurants. And sometimes I buy lunch from Roxy Kebab in Deer Park shopping centre.
What would you change in your neighbourhood?
I’d install more street lights for extra security.
What wouldn’t you change?
The community. It was difficult in the beginning, not knowing anyone. But as time passed I made good friends and now I love it more than anywhere. I also love Sunshine. It’s a multicultural area so I get to meet lots of different people. There’s so much to see and do in Brimbank, including volunteer work. I volunteer at Delahey Community Centre on the advisory committee and help plan events such as the Sydenham Kite Festival. I’ve also run adult cooking classes, teaching people to make Pakistani and Kenyan dishes.
Most embarrassing moment when out and about?
Going to Coles late at night in my slippers and an old shirt, then running into someone I knew.
