Susan McIntyre was born in the UK, moving to Point Cook six years ago when her husband was offered a job. She has worked
tirelessly ever since to become part of her new community. She tells Charlene Macaulay the full story.
What was your childhood like?
I was born in Manchester in the UK and lived in the area until I went off to read law at Cambridge University. My mum was inspirational, going back to school in her 30s to gain enough qualifications to start to train as a nurse. [It was] something she always wanted to do but wasn’t able to growing up. My dad always encouraged my sister and I to strive to achieve whatever we wanted and never give up. Sadly, he died in his late 40s of a brain tumour. It’s a very sad reminder that no one knows what the future holds.
What is your connection to the area?
I have lived in Point Cook for just over six years now. My husband had an offer of a job here in Australia so, never having visited before, we came to have a look round. We stayed in the CBD and visited a variety of areas. We loved Point Cook, its proximity to the city, coast and countryside is very special.
Tell me about your family.
I am married to my husband Chris and we have two teenage daughters, Kaitlin and Libby.
Why is it important for you to be actively involved in your community?
I like to make a difference and help people. It is a great feeling when you work together as a team and achieve a wonderful result. Getting permission and funding to paint the Palmers Road sound wall took nearly two years and many emails, telephone calls and meetings. Over 130 local people helped paint it.
I am also part of Neighbourhood Watch Point Cook Central’s committee and Christmas at the Lakes. I love where we live and the people that live here and think that by giving back I am saying thank you for the opportunity and chance that Wyndham has given me and my family.
You also run weekly Ladies that Lunch sessions. How did that begin?
It has been going from before I arrived, I took over organising it about three years ago with a couple of other ladies helping. We take pictures of our meals and upload them with a review to Point Cook Dining [Facebook page]. Food is only one part of Ladies that Lunch; the main part is friendship. Social isolation is a big concern in our area. We have over 200 ladies in the group but a normal week sees between 15-30 ladies attending.
If you could change one thing about Wyndham, what would it be?
Infrastructure should be in place and funded before major housing development happens. Having things like funded and planned local schools when building thousands of new houses aimed at families to me should be a given. A great illustration of this is Point Cook – despite its size and the fact it is one of the fastest growing suburbs in Victoria, it only has one state high school.
