What’s your connection to Brimbank?
I have lived in Sydenham for the past 15 years after living in Gisborne for over 20 years. The decision to move to Brimbank was primarily based on the significant amount of time I was spending travelling to and from work around the CBD.
What do you like best about the area?
Its close proximity to Macedon Ranges, Sunbury, Diggers Rest and the CBD. The Victoria State Park at the Organ Pipes, the Brimbank community owned Sydenham Park and Brimbank Park, including Horseshoe Bend Park. There’s also good public transport within 10 minutes walk from where I live, great shopping centres and great recreational facilities.
Would could be done to improve the area?
Better connectivity of its cycling trails along the linear trails connecting to the Maribyrnong River trail, without having to close busy traffic in Sunshine Avenue and Green Gully Road. VicRoads needs to consider providing an under road access path so cyclists can safely get to Brimbank Park from Sydenham via Taylor’s Lakes cycling trails. I also think Sydenham Road has been very neglected by VicRoads and the Brimbank council since Watergardens Station has been built.
Tell us about your involvement with the Lions Club.
I’ve been a member of this very small, but extremely active community service club for the past six years. I’m currently the club’s president. I’m privileged to have a great team of passionate board members and members that give so much of their time to support the club’s activities.
I understand you’re heavily involved with Sydenham residents concerned about Melbourne Airport’s expansion?
Sydenham and Brimbank residents deserve more from this large multinational corporate citizen and the future of Sydenham Park must be considered far more favourably in their environmental, local flora and fauna development planning. Planning consultants need to take a closer look at what Heathrow is doing for their local community with their third runway development plans.
You’re also a keen cyclist?
I’m vice president of the Brimbank Bicycle Education Centre (BBEC). I have developed and facilitated the bicycle transition “off training wheels” course. We have run four very successful courses so far, with many more scheduled throughout the year.
