Don’t let her Scottish accent fool you – Werribee actor and businesswoman Alaine Beek’s western suburbs roots go back to the 1970s when she was a girl in Hoppers Crossing.
Where’s your favourite retreat spot?
I love the grounds of Werribee Mansion. I work there every weekend with the humorous and scary plays I’ve written through my and my [chef] husband Bart’s business, Essence Productions. We have a family tradition of visiting Werribee Park on Boxing Day and sitting under a tree, eating Christmas leftovers.
Favourite place to get coffee and a bite to eat?
Moka Patisserie in Werribee is great for coffee and they have quality food and stunning cakes. The Park Hotel on the corner of Station and Watton streets has a great selection of beer and food.
What would you change in your neighbourhood?
I’d like to see more quality retail outlets. Wyndham needs shops that complement each other, like Yarraville. Some of the shops and restaurants are a bit behind the times and I like trying new places. We could also do with a gold-class cinema.
What wouldn’t you change?
Wyndham’s community – you really feel like you belong. My husband and I have lived in Sydney but knew it would never be our home. I enjoy getting involved in the community. I’m a member of the Wyndham Tourism Association, vice-chairman at Werribee Secondary College – where I used to go and now my son does – and take part in Wyndham Theatre Company productions.
What do you remember being in Wyndham that’s no longer there?
Centenary Hall; it’s now the Wyndham Cultural Centre.
Most embarrassing moment when you’ve been out and about?
Wearing different shoes – one brown, the other grey-striped – to Coles. My son pointed that out and had everyone in the aisle laughing with, and at, me.
