After singing and performing his way through almost four decades, Wyndham resident Alan Thompson says theatre is close to his heart.
What’s your connection to the local community?
We came to live in Werribee in 1976 and now live in Westleigh Gardens.
I’ve played acoustic guitar since the age of seven, and toured Italy with Esprit Choir. I joined Wyndham Theatre Company (then Werribee Theatre Company) in 1990, with lead roles in South Pacific, Bye Bye Birdie, My Fair Lady, and many plays.
I’m president of Wyndham Theatre Company and was musical director of the Werribee singers, until they retired. I’ve also performed at Werribee Park with Melton, Werribee and Australian airforce bands.
I’m a member of Crossroads Uniting Church resources committee and, through the church, I am an active Kids Hope mentor, mentoring a pupil at Werribee Primary School.
I also assist Werribee Secondary College with their theatre productions, including set building and lighting.
What do you like about your neighbourhood?
We’re close to the beach at Werribee South, the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula, and only 26 minutes to the city.
We’re also close to the country, including places such as Ballarat. We’ve got everything we need, such as a decent shopping centre and Avalon airport nearby.
What would you change?
Infrastructure and traffic are a real issue. We need to improve public transport.
Health services need more funding, as places such as the Mercy Hospital have long delays in emergency because they’re not equipped to handle the population growth.
What do you remember being in Wyndham that’s no longer there?
I miss the country town feel from back when we arrived in the ’70s. It’s not as easy to get around any more.
When we moved here there were paddocks behind our house and I could walk the dog there … now it’s housing.
There’s a great mix of cultures now that didn’t used to be here. When we came, the churches were full of Aussies and now they’re Koreans and Sudanese, which adds to the richness of the community.
What’s you favourite eatery or place to get coffee?
We have dinner with the family at Jackson’s on K, it’s quite nice there.
They’re lots of good coffee shops in Werribee. I would like to see shops and restaurants along the riverfront. Wyndham Cache is great for Devonshire tea on Sundays or brunch or lunch.
