By Alesha Capone
Kim Carter is secretary of the Werribee Business and Tourism Association (WBTA). She chats with Alesha Capone.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I moved to Werribee at the start of my high school years, attending Werribee High (Werribee Secondary College now). The population of Werribee was around 12,000 people and to become a “local” you needed to have lived in the area for a minimum of 25 years. Well, I guess I am a local now, as I am still living in the area and definitely for more than 25 years. I started my working career quite young, delivering pamphlets in my local area and worked at the local Coles, while still at school, before I headed into the corporate life. I love animals, especially dogs and horses and I love being out in nature. I also have a love of fine wine and food. So living in Werribee I get the best of both worlds. Win-win I say.
What else do you like about Werribee?
I live in central Werribee. I love the location and view Werribee as my extended backyard. I have the Werribee town centre almost at my front door, where I am spoilt for choice. Everything from dining, entertainment, retail and many small businesses. I love watching the local footy and going to the Werribee races. Also it only takes a few minutes to be back in nature, with the many walking trails along the Werribee River, Werribee South and the off dog leash parks – my dogs love to run and explore.
How long have you been involved in the WBTA?
I have been a member of the WBTA for three years now and on the board for almost two years. The WBTA is always looking at ways to support their members. There are so many varied businesses in Werribee and Wyndham and the current focus is on “Going Local”, how we can showcase our members and support them in these challenging times.
You started on the WBTA board just before COVID?
My first year on the WBTA board started off in full swing with our amazing bushfire fundraising event on 16th January, 2020. Little did we know that COVID was just around the corner and a time of uncertainty for all of us. Not knowing what was going to happen next, what support was available and even if our businesses would survive the many lockdowns Victoria went – and are still – going through. The WBTA board are also business owners, so there was a lot going on for all of us. Some made the hard decision to leave the WBTA so they could focus on their business. The WBTA needed someone to keep things ticking along, to apply for grants, come up with new ideas and provide what support we could for our members. I was in a position to take this on. I wanted to be there for our local businesses and community, even if it was in a small way.
What is coming up on the WBTA agenda?
We have recently launched our updated website and ran a #golocalwerribee campaign. We have plans to run this again via different media channels to keep spreading the news on how wonderful and diverse Werribee is. Our extended backyard is amazing to visit and our selection of businesses, well they have you covered. Spending local keeps our businesses open. With COVID still knocking at our door, events can be challenging. Our next general meeting is being held at the new Holiday Inn and the WBTA are working with Vibrant City Centres (at Wyndham council) on the Winter Street Party – Werribee city centre event that is scheduled for Friday 27th August. Come and support your local businesses while we say farewell to winter and hello to spring.
Would you like to add anything else?
We are all in this together and every small thing you do can makes a difference. Love where you live!
