By Esther Lauaki
What’s your connection to Wyndham?
I am a proud resident of Manor Lakes and am one of the event organisers for the annual Manor Lakes Halloween event that raises money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
How long have you lived in the area?
I have lived in Manor Lakes since 2011.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about physical activity and being an active member of my community through volunteering. I love meeting new people and the camaraderie that comes with being part of an event that brings people together. I guess you could say that I’m a bit of a social butterfly. My passions include running, Bikram yoga and tango. I guess you could say that I’m a jack of all trades but a master of none. I think variety is the spice of life and I love trying new things. I’m also a bit nuts about Halloween.
Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming Manor Lakes Halloween event. Give us a rundown on what people can expect this year.
We’re expecting around 2500 people to attend our Halloween event this year which will be on Thursday, October 31 from 5-10pm. Our display includes a realistic cemetery, animatronics, life-size audio-visual projections and spooky sound effects. There will be a costume contest with great prizes to be won and we will be handing out 150kg of lollies for trick-o-treaters with members of the Victorian Cosplay Society dressed in cool costumes that you can get your photo taken with. There will also be face-painting and balloon animals, food trucks, popcorn, fairy floss, Halloween-themed cake pops and cookies for purchase with 10 per cent of all sales going to charity.
Tell us how the celebrations came about.
The event had humble beginnings, starting in October 2012. Being originally from Canada, my husband and I were always big into Halloween and it just so happened that our then next-door neighbours, Stephanie and Hadyn Pettingill, were also Halloween enthusiasts. Stephanie is originally from Wisconsin and was happy to have some fellow North Americans to decorate with. We became known as the ‘Halloween houses’ by kids in the area. We decided to have a big Halloween bash and invited a whole bunch of friends and people in the community and turn it into a fundraiser for sick kids.
How much money do you hope to raise for Starlight this year?
We’re hoping to raise over $4000. Donate: bit.ly/2lyO5NY
What other hats do you wear in the Wyndham community?
I am also an event director for Wyndham Vale parkrun, a free 5km running/walking event that takes place every Saturday at 8am in President’s Park.
What’s the quirkiest thing about you?
I’m a crazy cat lady and am a very proud cat mom to Moka and Millie, two gorgeous rescue cats. My neighbours can often hear me talking and singing to them. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve caught a glimpse of me dancing with them in the living room too.
What do you love about Wyndham?
The blend of city and country living and how down to earth everyone is. I can get into the city easily to enjoy festivals/concerts etc.
The Manor Lakes Halloween event is on October 31 at Dalrymple Boulevard. Details: bit.ly/2kfDIyD
