By Esther Lauaki
What’s your connection to Wyndham?
I’ve lived in Wyndham all my life. Born and bred. I’ve only lived in three houses for as long as I’ve lived in Werribee and I currently live in Werribee South.
How long have you lived in the area?
47 years.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about children’s education. I’m a teacher at Altona North Primary School now. I started my education at St Andrews Primary School, then attended McKillop College and later ended up teaching at St Andrews Primary School too.
You have been on a weight loss journey this year. Tell us briefly about what you have been doing.
I was sleeping a lot and I thought to myself, “I’m not doing really well”. I was finding hard to get motivated for work and I had also been playing footy and got injured last year. I really wanted to get fitter and make a change so that I could play again next year. I started in September with Ultimate You in Hoppers Crossing and did a weight loss challenge with the aim of losing nine kilograms in six weeks.
What has been the biggest change?
On the scales, I’ve lost about eight kilograms through healthy eating and regular exercise. I’m down about three dress sizes – that’s been quite an expensive change having to buy a new wardrobe.
What other hats do you wear in the Wyndham community?
Teaching keeps me very busy. I also play footy for Werribee Centrals Football Club and I’m a member at Ultimate You Hoppers Crossing.
What’s the quirkiest thing about you?
Other people would say my hair I guess. I don’t see it when I look in the mirror, it’s just me.
What do you love about Wyndham?
The people. Growing up with so many people who have stayed in the area and who I’m still friends with 40 plus years on. My parents only recently moved out of the house that I grew up in.
I love the multiculturalism of Wyndham. I love all the restaurants and how everyone is still friendly as they ever were.
What’s the biggest change that you have seen in Wyndham over the years?
Traffic is the main issue in the area. It used to take me 25 minutes to drive into the city years ago, now it can take about 25 minutes just to get to Hoppers Crossing.
