As manager of the Tin Shed in St Albans, Laura Rouhan is all about connecting community. She spoke to Tate Papworth about how things have had to adapt with COVID-19
What’s your connection to Brimbank?
I live and work in the west. I’ve lived in the area for 10 years.
What do you like best about the are?
It’s a hard question. I really love the diversity. There’s parks, rivers, gardens … everything. The diversity I see in the people and food is also great. I consider myself lucky that it’s something I get to see in my greater backyard.
What could be done better?
I think some of our open spaces could be better managed. They could make it easy to access things. I’d like the area to be more walkable to get out and do things. Some streets are lucky to have a footpath, let alone a decent one and I’d rather walk than bus or drive places a lot of the time.
Tell us a little about your role with the Tin Shed.
I’m the manager at the Tin Shed. We’re a neighbourhood house and we’ve been here since 1953. We’re independent – of the people, for the people. We do low cost and free activities for the community. Normally it’s open door where people can drop in and have a coffee, but obviously times are different.
How have you adapted in these times?
The government guidelines have us closed, but we’re still working behind scenes. We’re providing material aid by giving out food hampers once a week. We do it with absolute respect to the rules and hamper collection is by appointment only. We’re also encouraging people to connect with their neighbours and providing the latest up-to-date information to our community.
