Altona resident Annette Stephens has been involved in a number of community groups and businesses within Altona, including owning and operating two local cafes and being on the Latitude: Directions for young People committee of management. Now clocking up eight years as president of the Altona Beach Film Festival, she tells Matthew Sims she is excited for the offerings from local film makers.
What is your connection to Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay?
I have lived in Altona all my life. I love Altona and all it has to offer. I went to Altona Primary School and Altona High School. I have many lifelong friends. Most still live in Altona, as do most of my family. Why would we leave? As a long term resident of Altona, I have owned and operated two cafes in Altona. I was secretary of the Altona Village Traders Association for many years and took a very active part in promoting Altona as a destination attracting visitors to our shopping precinct.
What do you love about where you live?
The opportunity for community engagement is very real. Altona has so much to offer, community groups, sporting clubs, a theatre, acting classes, art classes, dance schools, a friendly strip of small
businesses, beautiful parks, a wonderful stretch of beach and a pier.
How has your passion for the west informed your life and work?
In the early days as a business owner, I was approached to join the Latitude: Directions for Young People committee of management. Located in Sommers Parade in Altona, it provides support and assistance to homeless youth or young people at risk of homelessness. Apart from the amazing work Latitude do on a daily basis, I was attracted to join the committee because it is a volunteer committee made up of
community members: community members with many levels of expertise and experience working for the betterment of their community. Over the last eight years, I have been president of the Altona Beach Film Festival. With a committee of Altona volunteers, we run annually a short film competition. Over the years we have had a diverse range of films, comedy, drama, animation, documentaries and horror. Entries have come from all around the world as well as local community members. Everyone is welcome to attend the Altona Theatre on Saturday, August 20.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Most people would know I love Altona, the Western Bulldogs, the simple pleasure of summer days spent at the beach and winter days walking the dog along the Esplanade.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I enjoy line dancing and host a fun class of music and dancing every Wednesday at 12.30pm at 2 Sargood Street in Altona.
