Kevin Hillier says it’s time to showcase the real Werribee
The question posed on social media was: What are the first three things you think of when I say the word Werribee? Kevin and Ann Harrington are the new owners of the Quest Apartments in Werribee. Kevin posted this question on his Facebook page and I shared it to see the response. Surprise, surprise, some things never change, as the Western Treatment Plant aka ‘the poo farm’, went straight to number one with a bullet.
The smell, hold your nose, and other more colourful descriptions were quite popular too.
I remember in the mid-’80s there were days when the treatment plant was very much on the nose, but contrary to popular opinion, there is no smell these days. The new name says it all. It is a treatment plant where raw sewage becomes high quality recycled water. The plant produces 40 billion litres per year.
The other major negative for Werribee is the perception that most of the population are unemployed bogans. On the positive side, the Open Range Zoo is well known, as is the Werribee Mansion and, to a lesser extent, the State Rose Garden. Shadowfax Winery remains our hidden treasure, as is Werribee South Beach, but that might change for the latter with the opening of Wyndham Harbour.
Regular readers will be aware that I believe the name Werribee is a major part of the problem. There is only one way to change people’s views, and that is to show them the 2016 city of Wyndham.
Star Weekly runs a weekly feature called My Wyndham that could easily become the blueprint for a campaign across television, social media, cinemas – everywhere.
Get Merv Hughes, Russell and Lauryn Mark and successful business people, such as Chris Byrne from Westpoint Ford or Peter or Jim Hudson, talking about the area. Show people the treatment plant and the incredible wildlife that lives there. Birdwatchers come from all over the world to see the tens of thousands of birds there.
We have a lot more going for us as a city than most people think. To steal a famous line – it’s time. ■
If you have any news or events, let me know at kevin@howdypartnersmedia. com.au
