Chee Wei Tay is an internationally acclaimed film and music composer. He shares his favourite sites, sounds and observations in Wyndham with Jaidyn Kennedy
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I am a Singapore-born film music composer who migrated to Melbourne over 12 years ago. My work spans composing and producing original music scores for films, TV dramas, documentaries, commercials, corporate videos, exhibitions, theme parks, and theatre productions. Additionally, I provide post-production sound services, including sound design for screen and stage. Recently, with encouragement and support from international industry peers, I’ve ventured into directing and producing documentaries—a new and exciting chapter in my creative journey.
What is your connection to Wyndham?
Wyndham, specifically Point Cook, has been my home since I migrated to Australia. It’s where I’ve re-built my life, found inspiration for my music, and connected with a vibrant, multicultural community. From the serenity of Werribee South to the dynamic growth of the area, Wyndham has provided the perfect blend of calm and creativity, shaping both my personal and professional journey.
What are some of your favourite things to listen to in Wyndham?
Coming from the urban jungle of Singapore, the soundscape here in Wyndham—or across much of Australia—is a striking contrast. The calming sounds of nature and the peaceful ambiance are a welcome change. That is, of course, until the serenity is shattered by police helicopters circling overhead in the middle of the night or the blaring sirens racing down Sneydes Road or Point Cook Road in pursuit of hoons!
Where are some of your favourite places you go to?
My absolute favourite spot to unwind or shake off a bout of writer’s (or composer’s) block is Werribee South—specifically the beach around Campbells Cove. I love driving down, parking the car facing the sea, rolling down the windows (weather permitting), and pulling out my manuscript paper to start writing. The beauty of this spot is its solitude—it’s usually so deserted that I often have the entire area to myself.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
What not many people know about me is that I’m also an animal rescuer. I volunteer as a transport provider and rescuer for Purrs of Point Cook, a local cat rescue group and registered charity run entirely by volunteers. If you’re an animal lover, I highly encourage you to check them out and support their amazing work. Beyond Purrs, I also collaborate with several other animal rescues across Victoria, helping to save all kinds of injured animals—from cats and pigeons (not in the same carrier, of course!) to koalas, kangaroos, and even blue-tongue lizards.
That said, I do have one hard limit: no snakes! I’m more than happy to leave those rescues to the professionals. Does anyone else remember the movie “Snakes on a Plane”? No thanks!
What would you change about where you live?
I’m generally content with living in Wyndham (aside from the rent increases!), or I’d have moved long ago. However, if I had to nitpick, I’d definitely change how Point Cook Road is being upgraded. The approach to widening small sections of the road over the years has baffled me. Don’t people realise that expanding just a short stretch of a one-lane road to two lanes doesn’t ease congestion? It merely shifts the bottleneck 100 meters down the road! It’s like putting a band-aid on a much bigger issue! Many residents would agree that we need a police station here in Point Cook! Come on, make it happen already!
What kind of score would you write for a film based in Point Cook that you were the lead actor in?
If it’s a thriller comedy, the score would absolutely have to reflect Wyndham’s vibrant multicultural essence! Picture a full orchestral score interwoven with an eclectic blend of modern and ethnic beats and flavours—truly a musical melting pot.
Can we make this happen yet? Any film directors in Wyndham ready to take on this exhilarating challenge? Let’s do this!
