Wyndham mayor Heather Marcus has lived in the city since 1969 and was initially drawn to the area for its country feel. Having watched it grow from just 8000 people to its present 187,000, she says there’s plenty for a growing population to enjoy.
Where’s your favourite retreat spot?
Beautiful Werribee River, it’s the spine of our city. I sit on the rocks behind the reeds and nobody has any idea I’m there; it’s a great place to relax and enjoy birdlife.
I can dream about what I want for the city there.
Favourite place to get coffee and a bite to eat?
I only drink hot water. But I worked in a fashion shop along Watton Street for many years and feel like I belong there, talking with the business owners and employees. The people are wonderful and the shops overlook the river. I like visiting Chatterbox Café and Bridge Hotel and love Thai and Indian food.
What wouldn’t you change?
Werribee River. I don’t want housing built close to it and want it to keep the country feel.
What’s changed since you moved here?
We didn’t have sewerage in 1969, and my children asked what the man was doing in our yard with the bucket. And Heaths Road wasn’t a made road; it was lined with blue metal.
Most embarrassing moment when out and about?
When I was mayor in 2010, I was at the opening of a community centre with a playground. I was dared to slide down a big slide but soon realised I had a short skirt on. Everyone looked at me while I was at the top and I thought, will I still be a lady at the end?
