If you’ve built a house in Werribee in the past 30 years, chances are Lino Zulian did the brick work. The local brickie and CFA volunteer spent his smoko chatting with Adem Saban about his life in Werribee.
How long have you lived in Werribee?
In two weeks, it’ll be 50 years. I was born here in the old hospital down Synnot Street.
What changes have you noticed in the past 50 years?
The whole landscape of Werribee, really. The amount of high rises that have gone up. The people have changed. Once upon a time, you’d know people up the main street. It’d take you three hours to do your own shopping. I remember as a kid, shopping with my grandmother would take forever. We now have a bunch of shops along the main street, too, which was once just vacant land. The outskirts of Werribee have changed … look at Wyndham Vale and Point Cook – they used to be open paddocks where we used to go shooting. But times do change and we’ve got to move with the change.
As a local bricklayer, I imagine you’ve had a bit to do with the change in landscape.
Yeah, a lot of houses are going up. I’ve done a lot of houses in Werribee. I drive down some streets, and it’s like, ‘Oh I’ve done that one, I’ve done that one’. There are a lot of new estates going up everywhere. It’s amazing the way it’s grown. I started bricklaying with my dad and brother.
You’re involved in the CFA too?
I’ve been with the CFA for 29 years. I’m a fifth lieutenant. I’ve been a part of the Brigade management team for the past seven years. I’m part of the road rescue team and have done a lot of training with them. The challenges are what I love most. It’s the kind of thing you wouldn’t do unless you loved it. A couple of weeks ago we did seven calls, from 10pm until 7am – so we didn’t go to bed that night. When that happens, you find yourself taking power naps on your lunch break at work the next day.
What do you do in your spare time?
I like going away – getting out of Werribee. I like to go to Phillip Island. I also like doing little projects around the house, too. And of course, spend time with family – my wife Anne and my twin girls. You’ve got to balance everything: work, family and friends.
What’s your favourite spot in Werribee?
The Werribee River. I love going for walks along the river with my wife. It’s like you’re in the bush somewhere. You don’t see houses – you wouldn’t think you’re in Werribee. I also like the Park Hotel. It’s one of those places you can just sit back and have a drink with a few mates.
