Werribee Mansion is everyone’s Downton Abbey lookalike, according to the historic building’s visitors services officer, Greg Leith. Having worked there for 17 years, he says many Wyndham residents see it as being like their own backyard.
Where’s your favourite retreat spot?
My backyard. We live on a quarter acre in Hoppers Crossing and have lots of fruit trees. It’s like a private retreat, a little bit of heaven.
What’s your favourite place to get coffee and a bite to eat?
Scrumpy Brown’s at Point Cook homestead. It’s a charming place and they have large food portions which, like the homestead itself, has a generous country feel. Werribee’s Moka Patisserie is great for coffee and cake. The cakes are made in-house and are a nice luxury treat. Raffael’s Café on Watton Street also has a great atmosphere.
What would you change in your neighbourhood?
The traffic. I’d like it to be lighter, but the council seems to be one step behind the expansion of Wyndham and the infrastructure doesn’t support the amount of vehicles using it.
What wouldn’t you change?
Firstly, the open spaces and gardens, including those around Vic Uni and grassland along Princes Highway on the way into Werribee. They’re good for the soul. Secondly, Wyndham’s proximity to the city. Thirdly, the active local council. There’s a lot to do in Wyndham – attending festivals, Werribee Mansion and the open range zoo, and Laverton air base.
What do you remember being in Wyndham that’s no longer there?
Wyndham was a country area and I grew up on a farm, so the rural appeal is what attracted my family here 26 years ago.
I no longer see kids fishing in the dams near Sayers Road; the area is now a car park.
