Wyndham Community and Education Centre chief executive Jennie Barrera enjoys being part of the city’s culutral diversity.
What’s your connection to the local community?
I’m chief executive of Wyndham Community and Education Centre and we’re celebrating 40 years in the community this year. The centre runs education and community service programs, including English language programs for newly arrived refugees and immigrants, a VCAL course, pre-accredited training programs and accredited vocational training in community services, childcare and business. We also provide settlement services, including a tenancy outreach for newly arrived migrants; men’s and women’s groups, and healthy living, family and children’s programs.
In 2008, the centre established Saffron, the name for cafés at Duncans Road; Wyndham Park Primary school, which is open to the public; and at Wyndham Vale Community Learning Centre. It’s a social enterprise where volunteers, who may become paid employees, learn barista skills, customer service, food and menu preparation, cash handling and catering. I’m also chairwoman of Wyndham Humanitarian Network, which supports migrants, and a member of local committees.
How do you spend your downtime?
I go to the gym at Victoria University, visit Werribee Mansion – I love the rose garden there – and I’m studying history at the moment so I enjoy learning about the history
of the mansion. I also enjoy visiting the Wyndham library to delve into the family history section.
Where’s a good place for a coffee or bite to eat?
Saffron is my favourite, but I’m biased. I’m vegetarian and all the food there is, too. There’s nothing else like it in Wyndham and I love it that it’s a not-for-profit model. Jaffa in Watton Street has the best coffee.
What would you change in your neighbour- hood?
Traffic congestion. I’d like to see more parking in Werribee’s CBD and more train services and stations. I’d also like to see more spaces for community programs and services.
What would you not change in your neighbourhood?
The growing cultural diversity; I hope it continues to flourish. Street art in Werribee CBD has improved the look of the area and is something to talk about.
Share an embarrassing moment you’ve had while out and about in Wyndham
I went for a walk one night with a friend and my dog, and we stopped for a coffee outside at Raffael’s.
After the coffee I left and walked home, which is where I realised I’d forgotten to pay. I went back the next day to apologise and pay; they couldn’t believe I’d come back.
