Kim and Steven Haworth are two of Wyndham’s newest residents. The husband and wife team recently settled in Werribee as The Salvation Army’s Wyndham branch captains. Kim talks to Adem Saban about their new life in the west.
What brought you to Werribee?
Steven and I have spent the last seven years in Bairnsdale, heading up the Salvation Army there. We’re originally from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, then moved to Bairnsdale – so this is our first time as westies! The Salvation Army has an appointment system, so we didn’t have much of a say on where we’d go, but we were absolutely thrilled to be stationed in Werribee. It’s a great place to be.
Run me through some of the work that you hope to do in Wyndham.
The Salvation Army has a vast range of programs and activities that we run in the community, and they vary from place to place, depending on the needs of the community. Here in Werribee, it’s more complex and much bigger than Bairnsdale – we have some fantastic programs operating.
We have a community support service open four days a week, which they class as emergency relief, so things like food and other assistance. We also run a community meal three days a week for people in need – so anybody can come off the street. We get 40 to 60 people coming in for that. We also have mobile showers and washing machines and dryers, or people can just hang out here and have a tea or coffee.
How did you get involved in the Salvos in the first place?
Well I always had a faith in God, but I wasn’t a church-going person. We got friendly with some parents at a local kindergarten 10 years ago, and the rest is history.
How is life in Werribee so far?
Well it’s been five months and so far we love it. We love having access to great shopping. Bairnsdale is a great part of the world, but it isn’t known for shopping. Having the Plaza here is great; the novelty hasn’t worn off just yet. And the town just has such a real vibe to it, it’s always buzzing.
When you’re not at work, where do you hang out?
Well probably the Plaza to be honest. But we’re also discovering Watton Street and all the different places along there. I just love the multiculturalism; there are so many fantastic experiences of food and culture.
