Evan Maddox was born in Williamstown in 1943 and has lived there ever since. Now in his 80’s, Mr Maddox recently released a book, “Memories of Growing up and Working in Williamstown,” detailing his life and times in the bayside suburb. He spoke Cade Lucas about the place he calls ‘Willy’.
What’s your connection to Williamstown?
I was born in Williamstown during the Second World War,attended Willy Primary and then Willy Technical School. I served an apprenticeship as a diesel fitter-mechanic, then worked at Hobsons Bay dock and and the Melbourne Harbour Trust as a fitter ,then leading hand and foreman. I was also, for a time, the secretary of the shipbuilding and ship repair committee of the metal worker union.
What do you like about living/working here?
I loved every minute of my time in Willy growing up and as a teenager then as an adult. Willy had so much to offer in activities such as swimming, football, parks and gardens and more.
What, if anything, would you change about the area?
Willy has certainly changed from a sleepy quiet town, to now a busy congested city far from my earlier memories. Changes from living in a home to many apartments and townhouses and traffic congestion has spoiled a lovely backwater.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
The waterfront and the botanic gardens.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
During the 70’s and 80’s my involvement as a union secretary in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry meant trying to save that industry from its demise as a large employer of people in Williamstown and the surrounding area. But it was to no avail as governments failed in their support and now all is lost.
