Trish Padoin, who grew up in Werribee, works at Thomas Carr College in Tarneit. She talks with Alesha Capone.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
Yes, I was born and bred in Werribee, with Italian heritage. Both my parents, Bruno and Emma, were Italian migrants and settled in Werribee after they married in 1960. I attended both St Andrews and Corpus Christi Primary Schools, and then went to MacKillop College. I currently live in Wyndham with my son Seth and my dog Stella. I work as the marketing and development manager at Thomas Carr College.
How long have you worked at Thomas Carr College, and what do you enjoy about working at the college?
I’ve been there for a year now. I joined at the time where we were in the earlier stages of the COVID-19 lockdown, and all of the students were learning at home. It was an interesting time. I really enjoy my job – lots of variety, great staff and students to work with and I’m proud of promoting the college to the Wyndham community. I’m inspired by the teachers who inspire our students to go that extra mile. I’m very much looking forward to finally seeing a full stage production by our students this year. They are currently in rehearsal for Matilda the Musical, which opens 27th May.
How much has the school changed during your time there?
The college continues to grow. The most obvious change that I’ve seen in the last year is the students are now more on-site, than learning at home. It’s great to see that events are back in full force and in turn keeping staff extremely busy. I look forward to seeing a lot of new developments at the college over the next couple of years.
What do you like about living in Wyndham?
I love to take my dog Stella for long walks along both Werribee River and Werribee South beach. I have a great love for nature so being amongst both the trees and the ocean is super relaxing for me.
You grew up in the area – can you tell me what that was like?
Yes, I was born in Werribee and grew up on the south side. When I was young, all the neighbourhood kids would be playing out on the streets together, biking, skating, going to the park until dark. The Italian community was very social when I was young, and as a family spent many weekends at social functions and events, particularly at the Italian Sports Club. Such wonderful memories.
Has Wyndham changed a lot since your childhood?
It has changed so much. When I was growing up, there was limited traffic on the roads and it was easy to find a car park. Werribee Plaza was brand new and Tarneit was only paddocks and farms.
Tell me a bit more about your family.
My brother Frank operates a long-running panel beaters’ business in Werribee South called Impressive Panels and my dad Bruno and brother Andrew have done a lot of local carpentry and building work in the Wyndham area. My mum Emma was a constant presence in the first 20 years of business at the Italian Sports Club, working as a cook, waitress and host, along with many other roles.
Do you have a favourite Wyndham cafe, restaurant or coffee place?
One of my favourite local haunts is The Bridge Hotel. I love going there to have some dinner and drinks with friends. I also can’t resist Bellissima Italian Pantry and like to pop in on the way home from work.
