Long-time Hoppers Crossing resident Bob Metselaar remembers the days when Werribee’s population was under 18,000 and most people knew each other.
What’s your connection to the local community?
I’ve lived in Hoppers Crossing for more than 40 years and have seen ample changes, mostly progressive. From 1972 to 1992 I was a building contractor and in 1993 I changed from an antiques collector into a dealer in mostly Georgian antiques, books and art, including Aboriginal Australian art. I started community service at Apex in Hoppers Crossing in 1982. Apex started the Blue Light Disco, the biggest in Victoria, and I was involved on that committee for 11 years and also volunteered for Werribee Community Centre, the Weerama Festival, the Bicentennial Committee, Hoppers Crossing Secondary College’s school council and other committees, all of which had a great impact on my personal development, networking and fund-raising capabilities. Apex and Hoppers Crossing Rotary have helped a lot with my personal development as an active citizen. I’m proud of my community, our strength as an extraordinary group of caring volunteers and council leadership.
What would you like to change in your neighbourhood?
I’d like to see more police (and council) enforcement. The local police are too busy because they lack resources and adequate manpower. We should bring back warnings to some offenders, otherwise what’s the point of making more laws without adequate enforcement?
I’d also like to see more people under 35 become involved in their community and one of the best ways to do this is through service clubs.
What would you not change?
My partner Betty, my neighbours, Werribee RSL and Wyndham City Salvation Army Corps. I’ve made many friends through community service and enjoy catching up with them unexpectedly while shopping.
Where is your favourite retreat spot?
Werribee Park gardens and Chirnside mansion. The landscape, rose garden and variety of majestic trees are a joy to the eye and all is maintained to a high standard. It’s one of the best parks in Victoria.
What’s your favourite eatery?
We have an abundance of cafés and restaurants. My coffee favourites are YAHAVA Kwik Koffee drive-through in Old Geelong Road and Mondells Patisserie in Watton Street.
