By Esther Lauaki
What’s your connection to Wyndham?
We live in Hoppers Crossing.
How long have you lived in the area?
We have lived here for 27 years.
What are you passionate about?
Filling my retirement time helping the community. A craft group that I established at Heathglen Retirement Village. My garden.
Tell us about your involvement with the Werribee Ladies for Kids Auxiliary for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
I started with another RCH auxiliary at Roxborough Park and joined this group about 10 years ago when I discovered there was a more local group. Currently, I am the treasurer and I am also helping organise and run stalls at the RCH and other venues. Through my craft hobby, I was looking for an outlet for the items that I produced where I could help others.
What other hats do you wear in the community?
I’m a grandmother of two grandsons and have six beautiful children.
I recently helped the Werribee Mercy Auxiliary with fundraising through a book sale and barbecue.
What’s the quirkiest thing about you?
I have an obsession with Dachshund dogs, I have always had one in our 50 years my husband and I have been married, and I take my knitting and crocheting with me everywhere.
What do you love about Werribee?
The country suburb feel of the Wyndham area has always felt like home to us, having come from a country background. Closeness to the western district and city. The generosity of the community that continues to provide wool, material and craft supplies that help us continue our work. The support of the public at the fundraising stalls etc that we run at the RCH, Pacific Plaza and local shopping centres.
What would you like to see improved?
The city has progressed well since we moved here in 1991 and continues to improve.
