Mark Fenton is a long-time Werribee resident and community volunteer. He chats with Alesha Capone.
Can you please tell me a bit about yourself?
I turned 60 last August and have spent 57 years of that in Werribee, so I really see myself as a local. My wife Jennifer (nee Acciarito) was born in Werribee and we have been married for 38 years. We have two children and two granddaughters. I am an electrician by trade but spent the last 22 years in account management in the electrical world and happily retired in October 2019. As a teenager I was on the ISCW youth committee, then when married and children came along I was president of both their kindergartens – Sister Rita Douglas and College Road. I’m also a past committee and life member at Werribee Districts Football Club where I was involved from 1991 til 2017, so volunteering in the Werribee community has been a big part of my life. Being involved in a club is so enjoyable and rewarding.
Has your family lived in Werribee for a long time?
My parents moved here in 1963, dad worked for The State Rivers and Water Supply Commission and mum looked after the family. My in-laws were part of the original market gardening families of Werribee dating back to 1920s. Both of my wife and I still have elderly mothers in Werribee.
Has the area changed a lot since you were growing up?
Werribee has changed so much, when I was younger you couldn’t walk up Watton Street and not have multiple conversations with people you knew. No traffic lights, no roundabouts, no congestion, there was never a problem getting from A to B. When I went to school no-one carried a house key because no one locked their houses in Werribee. As kids growing up in Werribee, we hunted rabbits over the back fence. If only you could turn the clock back.
What do you like most about Werribee?
Our history, feeling part of that. Having lifelong friends, great memories of a fantastic childhood in Werribee, spending winter Sundays at the VFA footy, which most of Werribee attended and all the players were locals.
Nowadays seeing kids playing along our beautiful river – that’s one thing COVID has done, it’s helped people discover our river again. Wyndham Park is something to be proud of, what a magnificent asset for the people of Werribee. The wonderful walking paths along our river, we are so lucky to live on the river I walk it every day. I’m loving the way the main street is starting to utilise the river, it’s such an asset.
If you had to change anything about Werribee, what would it be?
The sheer size of Werribee, the traffic, a council that struggles to keep up with the growth. I’d love to see a council that is not full of factions and agendas. Let’s go back to that main street where everyone knows each other.
Do you have a favourite restaurant or cafe in Werribee, or a favourite place to get a coffee?
The South Corner, transformed from Gerald & Lou’s corner store which was an old favourite for many a Werribee kid for so many years. Now a modern-day cafe, great coffee and lovely staff. Loving the rebirth of the Bridge Hotel.
Would you like to add anything else?
Werribee has still got so much to offer, discover the Werribee River, join a club and get involved. You won’t regret it.
