Carmel Filippone, who has been a chartered accountant for more than 20 years, lives and works in Williams Landing. She chats with Alesha Capone.
You have lived in Williams Landing for nine years?
We decided to build our home in Williams Landing over 11 years ago now when the suburb was emerging. Cedar Woods was a respected developer and the location of the suburb in terms of its proximity to the freeway and public transport, as well as the proposed shops, commercial and recreational facilities made the decision a simple one.
Your business M & C Accountants is also located in Williams Landing?
Naturally, as we watched the suburb grow and office space continue to be delivered, it seemed sensible to be able to work close to home. The office space, being new with great facilities is important, as well as being easily accessible for clients to be able to get to us, and for us to be easily able to reach our clients in Melbourne and Geelong. I love being able to walk to work each day and see the people I live around.
What do you like about being based in Williams Landing?
This is the first office for the business and I own the office space. It’s a corner office in 101 Overton Road and I have beautiful views of the You Yangs, the Dandenong Ranges and the bay. I really love the location, and it works for my clients. The area is still in its infancy but I expect it to grow and become a real hub. I live about a 15-minute walk from the office.
How has the pandemic changed your way of doing business?
I’m calling and communicating with clients more regularly because of COVID but we are all missing face-to-face meetings. With COVID and the constant changes with legislation, there has been so much to do. I’ve been working with clients to figure out what grants they can access to help them through these difficult times. I have helped people with the federal government cash flow boost, JobKeeper, Wyndham council grants, the state government’s three rounds of grants, the outdoor eating grant and the rental hardship grant. It’s been a busy year even during normally quiet times.
Are you involved in any local sports or organisation?
As a mother, I have always been active in my sons’ school through assisting with school excursions, being a teacher’s aid and assisting with school fundraisers such as raffles or volunteering when they have held events for students or parents. Personally, I am a member of City West Taekwondo and am also secretary for Australian Taekwondo Victoria, a volunteer position. I am also a member of BNI Ninja’s in Point Cook. My son is a member of City West Taekwondo, as well as Shawn’s Swim School and attends St Clare’s in Truganina.
Would you like to add anything else?
Williams Landing has a real sense of community, when you walk around everyone says hello. You don’t get that elsewhere.
