Williamstown resident Daniel Cooper is a firefighter stationed at Newport. He speaks with Goya Dmytryshchak.
What’s your connection to Hobsons Bay?
We have lived in Williamstown just over seven years and I have been based at Newport fire station on and off for the last five years.
What do you like most about Williamstown?
It’s a beautiful area to live, having the beach only a five-minute walk one direction and plenty of parks and cafes the other.
What would you change?
As a whole, I wouldn’t change much about Williamstown. I love the old character and heritage that makes it such a great spot to live. Maybe a good Mexican restaurant – everybody loves tacos.
Tell me about a call-out that has stood out for you. Do you feel your work has made an impact?
I wouldn’t say there is one job that stands out for me because we go to such a variety of calls – from structure fires to car accidents, hazardous chemical spills, rescues and emergency medical response. No job is quite like the next. I do feel that we make a difference to the community and they are always appreciative of the work that we
do.
If you had visitors to Williamstown, where would you take them to show off your suburb?
I think Williamstown is best explored by foot. I would grab a coffee and head down through the Williamstown Botanic Gardens to the beach. A great way to spend the day.
What’s your favourite cafe/eatery?
I’d have to say Mezmez in Ferguson Street – that’s our favourite place for a morning coffee.
What’s the best thing about your job?
I love the work-life balance, the people I work with – every day is unpredictable. Shift work can be challenging, but I wouldn’t have it any other way, especially with a young family. It means more time to spend with ones you love.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
We have just welcomed a little boy, Kip, into the world, a little brother to our three-year-old Sonny.
