Irish immigrant and West Footscray resident Máiréad Doyle was recently awarded a Churchill Fellowship. She talked to Cade Lucas about her life in Maribyrnong.
What’s your connection to Maribyrnong?
My partner and I migrated to Australia in 2005, having bought a home in the Footscray area before we even arrived here. It was an adventure that was supposed to last maybe three years. We never left.
What do you like about living here?
It is one of the truly multicultural areas of Melbourne, which was really important to us when we were deciding where to live. It’s close to everything – the city, the beach and the airport, and the rest of my family!
What, if anything, would you change about the area?
I would love us to have more knowledge about, and to celebrate, the area’s Aboriginal heritage. Walking around, there is little or no acknowledgement of the people who have been custodians of the land for thousands of years. I know the council supported an Aboriginal Heritage study about 25 years ago. It would be good to see the area’s Aboriginal cultural heritage better acknowledged and marked, so that we can all learn more.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
I love being near water, and so the walking tracks by the river are a favourite. I love the big golden statue of the Heavenly Queen – she has always been a source of comfort and hope for me.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you
I am a huge sci-fi fan. I grew up imagining a world where artificial intelligence was ethically bound and a force for good in the world. It is partially what prompted me to apply for a Churchill Fellowship to investigate the impact of AI on the spread of misinformation and disinformation in elections – so that I can help to influence the pathway to AI having a positive impact on our lives.
