Wyndham Vale resident Helen Powley is a long-serving member of VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) clubs, and is a member of the Altona View Club. She chats with Alesha Capone.
What’s your connection to Wyndham?
I was born in Canberra and lived and worked there until we moved to Melbourne 19 years ago. This was after our daughter moved here to study. She later married and started a family, and that is why my husband, son and I decided that we would move here also. Our first home in Melbourne was in Tarneit, which, because it was new, we had to establish from scratch. Our next move was to an established home in Wyndham Vale. We are involved in our local church which, in turn, is quite involved in our community.
What do you like about Wyndham?
We overlook the park which includes Lollipop Creek and a duck pond. The trees attract an abundance of birds of all kinds and many people walk their dogs. Because the parkland attracts so many people it is a good place to make friends. It’s also a place where people can jog and cycle.
What would you change about Wyndham, if you could?
Like most Melbourne people, I would like to change the weather. But short of that, I would change nothing else because we are so happy here.
Do you have a favourite café or restaurant in Wyndham?
I have difficulty choosing a local café or restaurant because my four-year-old granddaughter often makes that selection based on the availability of ice cream and doughnuts. We are spoilt by the variety of takeaway places at Wyndham Square and Manor Lakes Central. And the importance of this for us is that we can easily cater for our family when they come over for Sunday evening meals.
What is your involvement with the Altona VIEW Club?
VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women. The clubs offer a network for women to connect in the community, enjoy social activities and develop lasting friendships, while supporting the work of The Smith Family. I have been involved in VIEW for 43 years, starting in Canberra as a young mother. I am the longest-serving VIEW member in Victoria because I joined before VIEW started here. I am the care person for our club members. This involved sending cards for all occasions and contacting members who need support. I am also involved in gift-wrapping to raise money for The Smith Family. I am also involved in occasional fashion parades, outings to musicals, country excursions, etc. I have been involved in The Smith Family Learning for Life program as a child supporter in a learning club at a local school. The aim of the program is to support children who need additional attention to support their studies.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
Although I appear to be an outgoing person, I do have trouble speaking to large groups of people. I manage this by knowing that all the members support me in what I am doing and by creating friendships with each member.
The Altona VIEW Club is seeking women who would like to make connections while making a difference. Altona VIEW hosts meetings for members on the third Wednesday of each month at Altona RSL, at 11.30am followed by lunch (lunch costs $22). Joining fee: $20. If you would like to attend, contact Janet on 9394 6522. Details: www.view.org.au
