Having dedicated 17 years to the 7th Sunshine Scouts as a volunteer committee member, Brimbank resident Helen Gutcher believes Scouting is a great way to make friends and stay involved with the community – both ‘next door’ and across the world.
Where’s your favourite retreat spot?
When my children were young I liked taking them to Organ Pipes National Park and Brimbank Park for family barbecues, but I enjoy spending time at home with my now-adult children.
Sunshine Scout Group has been a big part of our lives. Our three children were Scouts and won awards before going on to Rovers. Scouts has been a great way to widen our friendships and meet people through jamborees overseas.
Favourite place to grab a coffee or bite to eat?
Deer Park Club; it’s wonderful. The meals are always good, especially the Aussie parma. We often go there for birthdays and functions because there’s a friendly atmosphere. I also like to meet my old work friends at Detour Cafe in Sunshine. They have lovely wraps and nice coffee.
What would you change in your neighbourhood?
Our area doesn’t have adventure playgrounds. I used to have to take our kids out of the area for a good playground and we still need more around Sunshine, even though the new one in Sunshine West is good. The old Sunvale Primary School on Hertford Road in Sunshine has been pulled down and it would be a great site for a playground.
What wouldn’t you change?
Our heritage. There are some nice old houses – I like the heritage facades.
What do you remember being in Brimbank that’s no longer there?
I remember when I was eight my brother taking me to the pictures on Hampshire Road to see Jerry Lewis in The Nutty Professor. It was great to see a film in colour as we only had a black and white TV at home. Now the site is used by Centrecom.
Most embarrassing moment when out and about?
My kids would say it was washing my car when it was raining – because we were in a drought. They thought I was a nut.
