Pat Goodwin served on the council from 1981 until 1994, was the city’s first female mayor, and had a successful career in the media. She spoke to Adem Saban about her time at Wyndham.
How long have you lived in Wyndham?
Forty-four years. My sister lived in Hoppers Crossing and my parents in Newport. We were planning to go to Glen Waverley, but decided we’d come here to be closer to family.
What have you been involved in at Wyndham?
The Hoppers Crossing Ratepayers Association, and I was the president of playgroups here –that’s how I got involved in council. They were going to build a fence around the playground; they came to build it and I said “forget it, don’t build it”. A councillor came to visit one day and said “you’re always whinging, why don’t you get on council and do something?” Then one day a councillor resigned and he rang me telling me to run, and I did.
Do you regard being the first female mayor of Wyndham as a big achievement?
I was never brought up to be looked at as a female or male. Even at the ABC, there were no gender preferences as far as men and women went – it was who could do the job. So being the first female mayor, everybody thought it was a big deal, but for me, not really.
What about the old Werribee Banner?
I was always involved in the media. I worked for the ABC my entire working life. I started off doing secretarial work, and then went on to do some journalism. It was fantastic. I worked at the Banner for almost 20 years. I started as a sales rep, then became sales manager.
What do you love most about Wyndham?
As large as it is now, I like that it’s still like a big family. Everyone knows everyone – but it isn’t like a stickybeak thing. It’s that everybody sticks together. There will always be arguments in the place, but when it comes to the city being at threat, everyone bands together behind it. It seems to be a thing with this area. I love this place; I don’t think I’d ever leave.
What are your hobbies?
I don’t have much time for hobbies. I spend a lot of time with the grandkids; they keep me going. I don’t mind the garden. I head out with friends and travel a bit. That sort of thing, really.
