A self-described community
activist, Sunshine resident John Hedditch is always looking for ways to
improve liveability in the western suburbs.
What’s your favourite place to get a coffee and a bite to eat?
I try and grab a coffee at
the Granary Cafe on Devonshire Road once or twice a week. The building
was previously the Sunshine Harvester Centre.
Where’s your neighbourhood retreat?
I have a few places I go
to unwind including Tom O’Brien Park, the pool and, of course,
Flemington racecourse. I don’t mind the odd flutter on the horses so I’m
a fairly regular attendee when a meeting is held. Watching my two sons
play for Sunshine Football Club in the seniors also gives me great
enjoyment.
Where do you go to shop for new threads?
Highpoint has really good
clothes and is where I head to keep my wardrobe up to date. I only shop
when I really need to, unlike some of the female members of my
household.
What would you change in your neighbourhood?
It would be fantastic if
some of the youth in the Sunbury area engaged and interacted more with
the local community. If we could eradicate a growing drug and alcohol
culture among our youth, I believe we could develop a far greater sense
of community.
What would you never like to see changed?
One of the fantastic
things about the western suburbs is a great network of people built
across many generations. These strong bonds were the reason I chose
Sunshine as my home . . . the people make the west the place it is.
What change has had the most impact in your neighbourhood?
Developments in education,
transport and health have been among the biggest changes in recent
times. The recent establishment of trade learning centres has provided
people with an invaluable avenue to learn different skills. Looking
forward, we need to focus on programs which keep the community fit and
well, rather than relying on better healthcare when we fall ill.
