Long-time Wyndham resident Robyn Martin talks to Jaidyn Kennedy about volunteering with EdConnect.
Tell us about yourself and what you do?
My family relocated to the Wyndham area in 1979 after living in Malaysia for two-and-a-half years prior. My three children attended schools in Hoppers Crossing and Laverton. During those years, I was happily involved with their sports, school excursions and canteen duty. They have now settled in Werribee and are raising their families here. I have seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. I worked at the Petrochemical Company in Altona for 31 years and I thoroughly enjoyed making many lifelong friends, some whom I have the pleasure of enjoying many overseas holidays with and have had many more trips since retiring.
What is your connection to Wyndham?
After retiring in 2017, I was keen to volunteer in the local community when I came in touch with EdConnect Australia. EdConnect is an organisation who provide training and support to connect volunteers with young people in schools to be a mentor or as a learning support. I have been a volunteer for five years. I absolutely enjoy my time each week at Little River Primary School and feel that I am making a difference to many pupils and adding value to the classroom with my support.
What do you like about where you live?
I now live in Wyndham Vale, which is growing and developing. I enjoy long walks in my area. There are some lovely pathways around Lollypop Creek to enjoy. We have a lovely large reserve nearby to enjoy taking in the scenery, nature and having a chat with fellow dog walkers. With my family living nearby, I enjoy catching up with them regularly.
Where is your Favourite place to spend time?
I am proud of and love where I live, and I have many favourite spots. I like walking around Werribee River, visiting the You Yangs, taking a drive down to Werribee South and enjoying a stroll around the beach area. Werribee Mansion is also lovely to relax and enjoy the gardens.
Something people would be surprised to know about you?
As I am an active person, I enjoy my weekly Zumba class in nearby community centres and playing social tennis two mornings a week with like minded ladies at St Andrews Tennis Club. We have a saying, “it’s all about the coffee after tennis”. We have all become friends.
What, if anything would change about where you live
Traffic congestion, more so during peak hours. It would be great to have Ballan Road and Heaths Road built to cater to the traffic. I see it will become an increasingly bigger problem with the rapid expansion of building in the region.
