Autism Angels committee
member and Keilor Downs resident Despina Havelas is making a difference
in her community through her work with disabled children.
What is your favourite place to get a coffee and a bite to eat?
I enjoy catching up with
friends at Michel’s Patisserie in Keilor Downs shopping centre for a
coffee. The staff are so friendly and the service is absolutely
wonderful.
Where’s your neighbourhood retreat?
Watergardens shopping centre in Taylors Lakes, where I frequently indulge in some retail therapy. It’s in a central location and I love going there to shop, grab a bite to eat or even to have a read at the library.
What would you change in your neighbourhood?
It would be a dream come
true if we had a disability resource centre in our area. A place where
parents of disabled children could gain help, information and support
would be invaluable for the western suburbs. On a lighter note, I
believe more pubs in the area where locals could socialise and listen to
local bands would be an enjoyable addition to Keilor Downs.
What would you never like to see changed?
The high level of public
support and understanding in the Keilor Downs area. In my role with
Autism Angels, I have seen a real village mentality where we are all
willing to help one another solve our problems.
What change has had the greatest impact in your neighbourhood?
I’ve found the growing level of awareness surrounding important issues in the community to be the greatest change for Keilor Downs. The local schools have been doing a fantastic job of educating children and their parents about the dangers of cyber bullying. The level of social awareness is magnificent in the area.
Funniest story while out and about?
Many years ago I was at
the Keilor Downs shopping centre car park, loading groceries into my
car. My two young children were inside when the breeze blew my car door shut
and locked me outside. Needless to say, there were plenty of red faces
when the fire brigade was called to retrieve my children from the car.
My suburb » If you would like to be featured, email clevy@mmpgroup.com.au
FROM OUR FILES
Keilor: Susan Jennison
Sunshine: John Hedditch
