Williamstown’s Cas Bukor is often seen with a camera and her dog, Poppy. She speaks with Goya Dmytryshchak.
What’s your connection to Hobsons Bay?
I came to live in Williamstown about 40 years ago. Over the years, I have volunteered with many community groups like the Williamstown Festival, Art and Industry Festival and Hobsons Bay Yacht Club. I also help with cookery classes at a primary school.
What do you like about Williamstown?
Everything. I especially like that we are surrounded by water on three sides. I like how eclectic, friendly and multicultural our community is. And lots of great places to get excellent coffee and food, all with a lot of variety of cuisines.
What would you change or what could be improved?
I wish people would throw rubbish away properly or take it with them when they go. This includes locals as well.
What’s your favourite cafe/restaurant?
I love my food so it’s hard to choose just a few. There are so many good choices, all within walking distance. The Steam Packet Hotel is a favourite, closely followed by the Morning Star and Prince Albert hotels, along with Saigon Green and Yamabuki. I love Cirino and Crowded House for coffee.
You take amazing photographs in the local area. What are some of your favourite places to photograph?
Not much beats a good sunset or sunrise from the Strand – and the changing weather means the view can change from hour to hour. But there are so many fantastic spots to photograph, barely a day goes by without me taking a snap. I feel so blessed to live here in what I consider as one of the world’s most picturesque towns.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I accidently fell into the world of photography when I entered a Hobsons Bay photo competition a few years ago. The brief was for the image to be of a ‘local identity’. I used an iPhone shot of my dog, Poppy, on her boogie board. It won, even beating images of Steve Bracks, our premier at that time.
What is your background and how did it lead you to where you are now?
I often have to pinch myself as to where I am now. From escaping Hungary as a refugee at age five, to now residing in beautiful Hobsons Bay. After working full-time for most of my life, I stepped back three years ago, which now leaves plenty of time to pursue and enjoy my creative pursuits and voluntary work in the local area.
