South Kingsville Community Centre manager Alex Jedlicko tells Jennifer Pittorino about her work and personal life.
Tell us about your work at the South Kingsville Community Centre.
I started working here in July 2023 and although it sounds cliché, I love where I work! The centre was established 30 years ago and provides a range of low cost adult education programs and workshops such as computers, money management, sewing, upholstery and cooking classes for people living with a disability plus we recently relaunched our school holiday programs with great success. We are also a proud occasional childcare provider, which gives children from 15 months to five years a chance to socialise, build fine motor skills, develop their communication, and have a whole heap of fun in a safe, welcoming environment.
Tell us a bit about you
I am 41 years young and have lived in the west most of my life. I went to school in Williamstown and have lived in Altona Meadows for over 15 years with my partner and two beagles. I have worked in community education for over 20 years and am passionate about creating spaces and programs that are welcoming, safe, and enjoyable for everyone in the community. I am also a bereaved mum. Our only child Evie, at only nine, passed away in 2022 from septic shock. Her father and I are working hard to raise awareness of sepsis and are starting a charity in our daughter’s name.
What’s your connection to Maribyrnong or Hobsons Bay?
Having resided in Hobsons Bay most of my life, I understand many of the issues facing the community but also, appreciate the beautiful place that we live in! Previously, I worked at the Laverton Community Education Centre for 13 years and have since become a life member of the organisation in recognition of my work in improving access to affordable education and my commitment to social justice.
What do you like about where you live?
The community is very close knit and I love how people are always willing to help one another. I have the kindest neighbours and have made so many friends through the school community. I am very fortunate to live right next to the wetlands so have access to many walking trails, parks and bicycle tracks which is a big bonus to living in Altona Meadows.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
There’s not a lot I would change except that we definitely need a pedestrian walkway on the Queen Street bridge to provide safe access for people on foot heading towards Altona or back to Altona Meadows. Having to walk on the road is very dangerous.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
It would have to be the Altona foreshore. There are great restaurants and cafes plus plenty to do if you want yet it is also so peaceful by the water.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I love geocaching. It’s where you use coordinates to find caches (little containers) hidden outdoors. Usually, there is a piece of paper in the caches for you to write your name but in some of the bigger ones, there’s trinkets that you can swap. Hobsons Bay has plenty to find but I have also located some in almost every state and territory of Australia including on the side of a mountain in Cairns. Some are pretty easy to find however, some require patience, agility, and a bit of luck.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Even with the cost of living being at an all-time high, it takes zero dollars to be kind in today’s society. I believe that is so much we could overcome if we could just show more kindness to one another.
