Author Vicki Milliken tells Jennifer Pittorino about her work in writing and her connection to Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
Can you tell us your name, title, and what you do.
I’m Vicki, and I live in Williamstown. After 34 years of working in large corporate organisations nationally and internationally, I decided to change careers. Today, I’m a freelance writer and author.
Tell us about your work in literature.
I wouldn’t call it literature; I doubt it will be remembered with any lasting merit (chuckle).
But I am incredibly proud of my two children’s books (Merck Gets a Friend, Jobs for Paws) which are both set in Williamstown and my two historical romances (The Battle for Eliza, Kiss by Kiss) set in Melbourne in 1925.
I also write feature articles and have had success in publishing with The Guardian and The Westsider newspapers.
What is your favourite thing to write about/ target audience?
My current passion is writing about active, engaged, inspirational over 50-year-olds and helping to dispel the myth that the only thing worse than ageing is death.
What’s your connection to Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay?
I have connections to both. I moved to Williamstown in 1994 (although I’m still not considered a local). And I volunteer for various organisations across Hobsons Bay, including Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona, The Williamstown Lit Fest, Rotary Williamstown’s annual Charity Ride for Cancer and until recently The Williamstown Chamber of Commerce.
I’m a member of the Hobsons Bay Homegrown Authors, a fantastic local initiative to recognise local authors and encourage aspiring local authors.
I also met my husband at Pat McGuire’s Dance Studio in Yarraville (the Maribyrnong connection) and we married in Williamstown.
What do you like about where you live?
I love that Williamstown is a destination not a thoroughfare, is surrounded on three sides by water and boasts loads of open spaces, greenery, dog parks and bike paths. And I love our neighbours (we’re so lucky) and the fact that most people in Willy are willing to share a smile, a greeting or a quick conversation.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
If I could have one wish granted, it would be for the charm and village like feel to be returned to Williamstown. It is what attracted me to the suburb when I moved from Brisbane in 1994 but it’s been lost in recent years.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Anywhere in Williamstown where I can see the water. And I enjoy hanging out at Provisions Café – they have the best sticky chai latte in Williamstown.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
One of the reasons I moved from Brisbane was for Melbourne’s weather – the four seasons and the cool changes.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Building community is something I’m passionate about because it adds years to people’s lives. And the exciting part? Anyone can contribute, regardless of age, time, or finances. It’s as simple as picking up litter, sharing a smile with a stranger, supporting local business or volunteering time.
