What’s your connection to Brimbank?
I have been a part of Brimbank in some way for most of my life. I grew up in Airport West and I can remember the drive from Airport West to Keilor on the old Calder Highway was treacherous and, if there was an accident or a breakdown, unpassable. I have raised my family in Taylors Lakes. We bought an established house in the older section of Taylors Lakes, before there were any schools and well before Watergardens was built. For many years I was a teacher and assistant principal at Mackellar Primary School in Delahey.
What do you like best about the area?
I like the growing parks and gardens in Taylors Lakes and the ready access the area has to the city and country alike. It is also noticeable that the area is becoming more sophisticated as it grows and “ages”. There are good schools, shopping and facilities and access to transport is excellent. I view our suburb as one with such excellent potential.
What could make the area better?
I see the potential for a stronger community. Young suburbs are often devoid of the facilities and groups that draw a community together. I have been lucky to observe the gradual transformation of the area and I can see that there is further potential to improve the way we bring the community together.
What are your favourite places to go eat in Brimbank?
My partner Tina and I often enjoy a lovely Indian meal at Priya or a delicious dinner at Caroline Thai II, both at Aquagardens. We also enjoy venturing down into Keilor, as well as surrounding winery restaurants in Rockbank, Diggers Rest and Keilor: we feel blessed to have lots of choice within easy reach.
How did you get involved with the Lions Club, and what do you do in the Brimbank community?
I wanted to put something back into my community and, when I was invited to join the club, it seemed like the obvious fit. I am drawn to the ethical and purposeful way that Lions go about their service and love the way that clubs have autonomy and the capacity to pursue their own directions. Through a highly visible approach, Taylors Lakes Lions Club works to achieve common goals supporting community-based projects and raising funds for our community and beyond, with an attitude of fun, enjoyment and camaraderie. We seek partnerships with others to enable and enhance our work and to give our work further strength and purpose.
What made you decide to start up the Lions Club grants program? And why literacy programs first?
We have a long-term commitment to children and youth and have identified literacy as the priority for the round of grants in 2017, as it has been a focus for us through previous Books for Kids program and the release and distribution of a pamphlet encouraging parents to take an active role in their child’s literacy development.
This program offers financial help to community groups wishing to improve the literacy skills (reading, writing and/or speaking and listening) of children and youth (three to 18 years).
What sort of initiatives are on the horizon for the club this year?
We have adopted a section of the Taylors Lakes Linear Park and we will soon be adding some seats and signage to that area. Longer term, we hope to enhance and care for the park so it is a showpiece area, easily identified as a Lions project. This year is the 100th year of Lions International and our park project is our Centennial Community Legacy project.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
My early teaching role was as a music specialist. I learnt so much in that role and enjoyed encouraging the musical development of young people, even though my musical skills are perhaps somewhat limited!
