Michael Redding’s passion is history. The Werribee resident spent much of his professional career as a history teacher and now volunteers time to the Werribee and District Historical Society. He chats with Adem Saban.
How long have you lived in Werribee?
I moved to Werribee at the end of 2008. I retired as a school teacher, so I sold my house in Newport and moved here.
What brought you to Werribee?
I’ve always been interested in history, and Werribee is one of the first locations settled in Victoria, which makes it very interesting. We have many interesting places here, like the Halfway House, built in 1836. [The Halfway House – later called Golden Fleece – was an inn located in the area around Waterfront Boulevard and Riverside Drive, and was the only stopping place at that time between Melbourne and Geelong.]
What do you love most about the town?
It’s obviously not a little country town anymore, but it still has a country feeling. You get that real sense of arrival when you drive into Werribee – there’s something a bit special. We also have these amazing things like Werribee Park, with the mansion, the zoo, the State Rose Garden.
How do you spend your spare time in retirement?
I joined the historical society in 2009. I’m also involved in Rotary and I love travelling. Since retiring, I’ve been to 13 different countries. My favourite is Vietnam. I love the country’s history and I have developed a special connection with it. With the Rotary Club of Werribee, one of the things we’ve been doing is incredible … helping to make wheelchairs for disabled children and adults around the world, and many go to Vietnam. They go to people will cerebral palsy and spina bifida.
Where’s your favourite spot in Werribee to grab a coffee?
The Coffee Pot opposite Coles is great. It has this elevated deck at the rear of the cafe … you’re surrounded by these incredible red gum trees. I hope that one day all the shops along the back of Watton Street open up backwards over the park and river. Watton Street has a real potential to become an iconic destination of the west. I also love Wyndham Cache in Werribee South.
