After starting out as a touring musician, Damian Costin now runs his own music and entertainment business from Newport where he lives with his family. He talks to Cade Lucas about his life in Hobsons Bay.
What’s your connection to Hobsons Bay?
I live and work and in Newport and have been here since 2013. Before that we lived in St Kilda and made the trip across when we started a family.
What do you like about living/working here?
The location of being close to the city but far away enough to not get caught up in the busy hustle of Melbourne central. I refer to it as ‘Malibu’ to my friends and we love the location. The local families, great food places and parks are great for kids. We love summer being close to Williamstown Beach which is a highlight. Summer days on the deck at Sebastian’s enjoying food and drinks with friends with kids on the beach – you could just about be on an island in Europe with the sun setting over the bay which is spectacular.
What, if anything, would you change about the area?
The fact we live on a peninsula which has limited access which affects small businesses concerns us all as a community. The closing of Champion Road which will severely impact a lot of small businesses and families and the amount of money spent on it when the community has zero consultation has really highlighted how much we require proper leadership and respect. We need to protect and consider everyone and unfortunately it hasn’t happened. We need more advocacy for these important issues and if anything proper representation moving forward.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
There are so many and it’s hard to pick one but I’ll offer a few: Williamstown Newport Foreshore for a stroll and picnics, Williamstown Beach of course in summer and even winter is really amazing and Newport Village has some great shopping and local café and food offerings.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
I once played in a band when I was a younger man and got to travel the world from seeing all of Australia, Japan, Europe and USA. It’s great to do all that but when you find a special place like Hobsons Bay and what is has to offer – you truly get the best of everything in one quiet beautiful area right under our nose. You get to appreciate just how awesome this place is for us to enjoy!
