1. What is something people don’t know about you?
People would not know my middle name. I just never use it except on my passport, I never felt it fitted me. When I was a teenager if I was pressed to say what it is, I would say Sunrise. Its actually Dawn, which is a perfectly lovely name.
2. Tell us about your role at the Healesville Living and Learning Centre?
I love my job. I am the Community Education Coordinator. I work with an amazing group of people- our volunteers are incredible and our CEO is a national living treasure. We are evolving more and more into an inclusive space where we celebrate the intersectionality each person brings. Drop by and say hello and tell us how we might be able to help you.
3. What has been your most memorable moment at the centre? Why?
We had an open day at HLLC after the last lockdown was over, but one of my kids had Covidand we were isolating so I wasnt able to be at work. James our CEO set up a computer at the front desk. I zoomed in and greeted people all through the day as they came in and chatted to them on their way out. People laughed and thought it was great. One man said it was the first time he had ever seen a ‘virtual’ receptionist. We are up for new ideas and fresh approaches to challenges at HLLC 🙂
4. What do you love most about living in the Yarra Ranges?
I live right on the edge of Healesville surrounded by mountains, farms, trees, incredible birds and wonderful people. I have loved learning about the Aboriginal history of this area as well as the modern contextualisation of Aboriginal people living in an urban space.
5. What are some of your hobbies?
My hobbies are pottery, textiles and leadlighting. I’m also a foster carer which is not a hobby but it does mean that most of my time is taken up with the sound of children laughing and playing.
6. What event, past, present, or future, would you like to witness?
I want to see my grandson 20 years from now. As a foster carer my grandson has played a pivotal role in the lives of children who have experienced great trauma. He is almost 8 years old and is kind and wise beyond measure. I can only imagine what he might be doing when he is an adult.
7. Who do you admire the most?
Shona Rimmer for so many, many reasons, but for this interview I will mention her commitment to inclusivity and intersectionality particularly with disengaged younger and older people.
8. What is an important issue in the region you think needs exposure?
Public Transport and the price of petrol. The massive price rise in petrol means that people will rethink their capacity to drive anywhere. This will result in people becoming even more vulnerable and isolated than they already are. We should be increasing our public transport capacity, not reducing it.
