Cas Bukor has called the west home for 40 years and is well known around Williamstown for her annual Williamstown Calendar. She chats to Laura Michell about her love for the “most scenic inner suburb” and her recent involvement with Hobsons Bay Yacht Club.
What is your connection to the inner-west?
I have lived in the west for over 40 years. Volunteered for numerous activities and groups like the Williamstown Festival (now defunct), Art In Industry, gardening and assisting with cooking via EdConnect to local schools and of course, lots of volunteer hours at Hobsons Bay Yacht Club (HBYC). I also belong to the Williamstown Camera Club. Williamstown is a visual feast, a fantastic place to take photographs Many of the locals would know I produce a Williamstown calendar every year. Next year will be my 12th year doing the calendars.
What do you like about where you live?
Almost everything! The eclectic mix of local residents, being surrounded by the sea, the friendliness of passers by, the eateries and coffee shops, and the views across the bay. You can get almost anything locally, without even getting in the car.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
It would be good to have more seating and some improvements of our public areas, especially along the foreshore. The council and state government, have done a great job of rejuvenating Altona foreshore recently, but very little seems to have been invested in what is possibly the most scenic inner suburb in Melbourne.
How long have you been involved with the yacht club, and how did your involvement come about?
I got involved with HBYC about seven years ago when I downsized and moved a stones throw away. HBYC arguably, has the best view across the bay from the upstairs deck, a welcoming and friendly, atmosphere. I started out as a social member, and then I became a member of the social committee for a few years. With the encouragement of the recent manager, Rod Austin, I did a ‘Start to Sail Course’ at the club and started to sail. As a photographer, I love taking photos of sail boats, especially when they heel over in wild, windy conditions. In 2024 I was thrilled to win Print of the Year at my camera club, capturing a chaotic wild start to the Geelong Regatta. Earlier this year, the sailing bug bit me, and I became a crew member, sailing and racing more regularly. HBYC offers many pathways to start sailing, in fact I am currently involved with a new ‘Women’s Working Group’ aimed at encouraging more women and girls to give sailing a go. And just recently I joined another sailing committee ‘KISS – Keelboat Introduction to Sailing Savvy’ where over 14 weeks, experienced female sailors share their knowledge with other women who want to sail keelboats. The goal is to build confidence and community while you learn.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
My family and I migrated (escaped) from Hungary many years ago and our first residence in Australia was at the Bonegilla Refugee Camp, near Albury. My son Jackson and I went to a few months ago. Bonegilla is now preserved as a tourist attraction.
