Altona resident and Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre manager Kim Reilly speaks with Goya Dmytryshchak.
What’s your connection to Hobsons Bay?
I moved to Altona 30 years ago and bought a 1960s ‘shoebox’ house just before I met my husband, Graeme. Neither of us knew very much about Altona and the area but when we were asked where we would like our babies to be born, we chose Altona Hospital – not knowing Georgia and Nick would be among the last babies born there before it closed in 1996.
What do you like about Altona?
I love the ‘country town’ feel about Altona – we got to know lots of people quickly and felt we had found our place. The beach being so close is a bonus – not that I’m a beach person but I love the sea air and seeing the stunning coastline that changes through the seasons and throughout the day. I appreciate the birdlife, especially the swans and pelicans, and I’m one that doesn’t mind the smell of seaweed (after I found out it was a natural phenomenon)!
What would you change or what could be improved?
There is not much to change and whilst I don’t enjoy fighting the tourist traffic during summer, Altona is a such a destination that it was bound to be visited by others. The economic development for the businesses in Altona is certainly good to see over the summer months but I do find it hard to share our quiet little seaside town.
What’s your favourite local cafe/restaurant?
Some years back I discovered a fabulous cafe in Altona that had the same brand of coffee I had been enjoying in Newport (before school and train drop offs, we would go to Leroys most mornings) and when the cafe moved to another location, we followed and have been with Adrian Davey at Birdcage in Harrington Square since then.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I suffered postnatal depression for many years after our youngest was born. It was undiagnosed for at least four years as I bounced from one inept medical practitioner to another. My self esteem plummeted as the ‘advice’ being given kept me thinking it was something I could control and that I was essentially choosing not to be in control. When the diagnosis was finally made and a rational explanation given to the symptoms I was experiencing, I was incredibly relieved to know that I really wasn’t well and that I could be treated and, thankfully, I recovered.
How your life has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Life during the pandemic has been difficult and challenging – as it has been for everyone to some degree. For me, it has been a time to rest a little and to appreciate all that I have. I have very little to complain about and so much more to be thankful for. I offer what support I can to several people in my life who need it. As a family, we made the commitment to buy goods and services from local businesses. Every payday, I send what money I can to support charities here and as much as I can to support the women I work with in Uganda. The level of need can feel overwhelming, so I support the causes that mean most to me – supporting women and children, whether they are here or in Uganda.
You’re a passionate patchworker and founding member of Seabreeze Quilters?
I love everything about the process and the people I get to share my passion with. We make so many quilts and gifts for those who need them – last year we delivered nearly 200 gifts to the recipients of meals on wheels in Hobsons Bay. It’s doing for others that makes my life more meaningful and what makes my heart happy.
