Jay Thatchanamurthy is a Manor Lakes resident who runs free financial literacy programs. He discussed his connection to the growing suburb and its people with Jaidyn Kennedy.
Tell us who you are and a bit about yourself?
I am Jayaraman Thatchanamurthy, founder and leader of Help4People, a community organisation that has grown to more than 4000 members, with 2000 in Wyndham. My mission centers on empowering residents through financial literacy and mutual support. I organise financial awareness sessions teaching practical money management and savings strategies. My philosophy is simple: those who receive help should help others. This “pay it forward“ approach transforms beneficiaries into contributors. Through Help4People, members donate portions of their savings to assist homeless individuals, creating a self-sustaining community network. My work demonstrates that real change comes from inspiring collective responsibility and building interdependent communities where people genuinely support one another. I’m passionate about creating tangible, lasting impact beyond individual assistance.
What is your connection to Manor Lakes?
Manor Lakes is my home and the foundation of my community work. As a resident here, I’ve witnessed first hand the challenges families face with the cost of living pressures. This personal connection drives my commitment to helping Manor Lakes families achieve financial resilience and stability. My community initiatives directly benefit Manor Lakes residents alongside broader Wyndham support.
What is your favourite thing about Manor Lakes?
What I love most about Manor Lakes is its wonderful diversity and strong sense of community spirit.The suburb brings together families from various backgrounds united by shared values of mutual support and growth. I’ve seen neighbours helping neighbours, genuine connections forming, and collective efforts to improve our area. The community’s receptiveness to Help4People initiatives shows residents genuinely care about each other’s wellbeing. This supportive atmosphere makes Manor Lakes a truly special place where people aren’t just neighbours—they’re genuine friends invested in each other’s success.
Favourite things to do in Manor Lakes?
I enjoy facilitating my financial awareness sessions where community members learn practical money-saving strategies. I love connecting job seekers with employment opportunities, especially supporting young graduates and women returning to work. My free lawnmower service lets me contribute meaningfully to residents’ lives.
What would you change about your suburb?
I’d enhance employment opportunities within Manor Lakes itself, creating more local jobs so residents don’t need to travel far for work. This is for obvious truth that travelling through Ballan Road is as good as donating one to two hours of our time to travelling on the stand still road. I’d also expand access to financial literacy programs in schools, helping younger generations build strong financial foundations early. Additionally, I’d improve community spaces for gathering and collaboration. Finally, I’d strengthen support systems for vulnerable populations, ensuring no family falls through cracks during economic hardship.
