Luciana Manrique de Aragon is a community advocate and volunteer. She discussed her connection to Wyndham with Jaidyn Kennedy.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?
I am a community advocate and “bridge-builder” born in Salta, Argentina. For a decade, I’ve aligned my professional life with my soul’s values: integrity and lasting relationships. As a canopy resilience practitioner, a role dedicated to preparing communities for climate change adaptation and resilience, and woman of faith, I am developing strategies to heal the environmental and social stressors facing our Latin American community in the west. My background in journalism draws me to give a voice to the vulnerable and ensure the creation is protected. My childhood motto remains my compass: “Do not fear giving; you will never give too much if you give gladly. In doing so, you are not just giving, you are becoming more.”
What is your connection to Wyndham?
Wyndham is where my heart lives. For 14 years, I’ve been sewing seeds through service, from welcoming refugees into my home for help with housing and translations to sharing secret recipes at local picnics. Through the Werribee Uniting Church and UCAN, I strive to influence policies, so we leave this place better than we found it for future generations.
What is your favourite thing about Wyndham?
It is the profound resilience of our people. I love seeing the whole world reflected in a single Wyndham street. As someone from a multicultural background, I find it beautiful that we are a mosaic of stories speaking a common language of kindness. We don’t just live side-by-side; we carry a collective strength that makes this city a vibrant, living organism.
Where are some your favourite spaces to spend time in Wyndham?
I find peace at Werribee South at sunrise, it is a magical place. I also love the Werribee River. It reminds me of Salta’s rivers, except back home you’d never dream of spotting a platypus! I love the role that water plays in nature and that’s why I support Environment Victoria and Uniting World. We must be stewards of this beauty; protecting our natural resources is my passion.
What is something people might be surprised to know about you?
I am a runner. I never thought I could run for two minutes, but after the pandemic, my kids encouraged me to try. Joining Wynfit, I swapped office shoes for runners. During a Sunday training, I unexpectedly ran my first half-marathon! I’ll never forget the crew stopping to cheer me through those final kilometres. That collective encouragement is a memory I’ll keep forever.
Is there anything you would change or fix about the area?
I want our “social heart” to grow with our suburbs. We must fix transport disconnects, like the two-hour struggle from Wyndham Vale to the Harbour. I dream of safe ciclovias (bike-paths) bridging gaps, like Point Cook to Williams Landing. We need parks of every size to balance pollution and extreme weather.
