Dr Helen McCarthy is Associate Professor in Dietetics at Victoria University’s Footscray Park campus. She tells Cade Lucas about life working in Maribyrnong.
What’s your connection to Maribyrnong?
I work at Victoria University (VU) with our main campus at Footscray Park. I have worked there since moving to Australia from the UK in 2015. I am a childrens’ dietitian and worked in large teaching hospitals in the UK for almost 20 years before becoming a lecturer in dietetics in Northern Ireland. In 2014 I was approached about moving to VU. It was a massive step, leaving family and friends behind to come to the other side of the world. I had never been to Australia before, or even thought about it, but I don’t like to ever say ‘what if….’ so I took the chance and moved. I was lucky that I had some friends that had moved out here over the previous 2 years. Through them, and through colleagues at VU I have made some great new friends, and a lot of them live in Maribyrnong. I am currently Associate Professor in Dietetics at VU and look after our nutrition and dietetic courses. I am also share the role of Deputy Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching in the College of Sport, Health and Engineering which means that I get to work with some amazing people from diverse backgrounds.
What do you like about working here?
VU has a great approach to building relationships and supporting the local community. Through VU I have had the opportunity to work with some great people in the local community. This includes working with Maribyrnong council on the Gluten Free Dining project. Our students volunteer on the project to support local food businesses in completing the Coeliac Australia Gluten Free Accreditation processes.
At VU I work with some amazing people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. What makes them so amazing is their collegiality and willingness to go above and beyond for the students, their colleagues and the local community. VU’s Footscray Park campus backs onto the Maribyrnong river. Its a beautiful spot, and I love to watch the river when I get into work in the mornings; I find it really relaxing.
What, if anything, would you change about the area?
The traffic and parking! I live some distance away so have to commute into Footscray. Most days, because I can end up moving to other campuses, I drive in hence why I love to watch the river for a bit – de-stress time. Parking can also be a real challenge, especially when there are events at the showgrounds or the racecourse.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Probably one of my favourite spots is Yarraville. I love the old houses and there are some great places to meet up with friends and socialise.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
I have a passion for history and mythology. When I travel or move somewhere new, I make a point of getting hold of books of local stories and legends. I love to understand the history and the local legends that offer insights to people’s connections to that place. I have a room at home that is floor to ceiling bookshelves full of history and mythology based books.
