Mason Smith currently holds the Australian Boxing Federation’s silver super welterweight Victorian championship belt, he’s also a proud Werribee local who speaks with Fatima Halloum about his love for Wyndham.
Can you tell me a little bit about your connection to Werribee?
My great grandfather owned a furniture real estate store. I grew up here my whole life, my father was also born and bred from Werribee, grew up on Mortimer Street just near the St Andrew’s Church. I’ve grown up playing my whole life for sports clubs in Werribee and I went to MacKillop [College].
What are some things you like about where you live?
I love the people in Werribee, the friendly nature, the shop owners, the residents, you go down the street and you’re bound to have a conversation with someone you bump into. I love the layout of Werribee, the main streets, the suburbs surrounding and the quiet communities.
Is there anything you would change about Werribee?
I probably wouldn’t change anything, but encourage. I think the main street is doing a good job every few months with the night markets and festivals but I think more sporting events, you don’t see a lot of people gathering up or going down to Chirnside to watch the VFL.
How does it feel to represent Wyndham
I grew up very blue collar and I think Werribee is a very blue collar. But also I’m just another member of a community really giving their passion and desires a real good go, and just wanting to have the community’s backing or support. There’s not really a lot of Werribee sports people or teams that are really well known so I guess just having the community realise that I’m just a normal member of their community trying to chase the dream.
Are you proud of where you’re from?
I love Werribee, I love that it’s in the middle of the coast, it’s in the middle of the city. I love where I live, I wouldn’t leave here for anywhere else, not in the near or immediate future by any means.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you…
I love teaching and training the kids, at the moment, working with my strength coach, I love taking group classes and showing the kids how to box and how to defend themselves and try to inspire them and show them if they work hard and stay the course then good things do happen.
