By Ewen McRae
Sunshine’s Chrissie Davies is a finalist in the Victorian Business excellence category in the AusMumprenuer business awards. She spoke to Ewen McRae
What is your connection to Brimbank?
I have lived in Brimbank for 11 years. We bought our beautiful old Edwardian home before the real estate boom. Recently we did a renovation and our daughter started school, so we are now planted for the next 20 years or so.
What do you like best about the area?
The people, the sense of community pride, the diversity, the huge backyards, wide tree-lined streets and the abundance of amazing places to eat.
What could make the area better?
The traffic congestion drives us all a little nuts. Some more parking would be great. I’d also love to see more public toilets in all the new parks and playgrounds.
Where is your favourite place to go for a feed in Brimbank?
For a quick coffee I can’t go past the Braybrook STN. For a great child friendly option I love Sadie Black in Albion and for a wine and a good family dinner I can’t fault Sunshine Social.
Tell me about your business Chaos to Calm.
I specialise in creating understandings and strategies to meet the needs of children with challenging behaviours. I support both families and educators to create more awareness of the different ways to use communication and emotional engagement to make positive changes in children’s behaviour. I am really passionate about breaking down negative stereotypes surrounding positive parenting education. There is still a real sense of shame associated with asking for help when it comes to our kids, but this actually couldn’t be further from the truth.
What does it mean to you to be
nominated for the award?
Winning this award would be like giving back to myself for all of my energy and hard work. It certainly hasn’t been easy juggling, a business, two young children, a husband and all the while giving so much of myself to other people and their families.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The wonderful families that I meet. I feel so humbled that people trust me enough to welcome me into their homes. When people tell me that I have saved their marriage or allowed them to see their child in a different light, I am truly so proud of my work.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I grew up in Mildura and I actually got into quite a bit of trouble as a teenager. Maybe that’s why I ended up working with challenging children. I look back now though and am really grateful for the sense of freedom that I had. I am working hard to give my kids the same sort of ‘unplugged’ lifestyle we had in the country.
