UK expat Andrew Turner has put down roots in Middle Footscray since moving to the area 14 years ago. He spoke to Matthew Sims about his love for running and cycling around the area, including taking part in the weekly Maribyrnong parkrun event.
What is your connection to Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay?
I’m originally from the UK.
I first visited the inner west when I stayed with a friend who was living there when I came to Australia backpacking in 2001.
After meeting and marrying my Australian wife we moved (back) to Melbourne in 2007 before settling in Middle Footscray in 2008.
We were drawn in by the location and diversity in the area.
Over the years, there has been a few changes, with plenty of construction, new infrastructure and a change from old pubs, like the Buckingham Hotel to a bar scene.
What do you love about where you live?
I love the easy access to so many different types of cuisine and such a range of produce at the market.
It’s convenient to get into the city by bike or train.
The Maribyrnong river is a great place to relax and exercise.
The beach is close by in Williamstown.
We also enjoy being able to wander down to the cafes in Seddon and restaurants and the Sun theatre in Yarraville.
We like riding our bikes to Williamstown and Altona beach.
I also normally cycle to the office in the city where I work in technology for a super fund.
The range of food and cultures you can come across within a few kilometres in the west is amazing.
African flavours have become a favourite and at times, pockets of Footscray can remind me of visits to Vietnam.
The Indian restaurants in West Footscray are a favourite too, reminding of curries in England with new dishes to experience too.
Running during lockdown led me to discover more green spaces and streams like Stony Creek.
How has your passion for the west informed your life and work?
I can’t imagine living anywhere else in Melbourne other than Footscray. I’ve become a fan of the Doggies so I loved living through the eruptions of red, white and blue across the west in 2016 and watching the final at the Whitten Oval with thousands of other fans.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Maribyrnong parkrun! Becoming involved in parkrun, initially as a runner and now helping out with the event team has been a great way to make connections, form friendships, improve my fitness and learn new skills.
Initially, it was the running that got me interested after a tip from a friend.
As I came to value parkrun more, I wanted to help make sure it could continue so I got involved in volunteering there.
Initially, I took on roles I found easy such as photographer and pacer.
After COVID, I joined the core team of volunteers that ensure the event happens every Saturday at 8am!
After a bit of training I became a run director.
Although it may sound hard, the team of volunteers normally makes it quite an easy job.
Often I have plenty of time to congratulate runners and walkers crossing the finish line, sometimes along with their four legged friends.
It’s great that everyone is welcome and we get a range of ages from 4 year olds with their parents to those in their 70s and 80s.
Whether you walk or run, everyone covers the same five kilometers, you certainly don’t need to be an Olympian, but you may bump into one on the start line occasionally.
Afterwards, many of the participants pop over the river to the Boatshed to grab a coffee and maybe breakfast.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
As well as making new friends at parkrun, I’ve encouraged family members, friends and neighbours to try parkrun.
I might even check whether there is a local parkrun before I head off on holiday.
