Maidstone’s Ray Pereira OAM is a renowned percussionist who has performed all over the world. He is also one of Australia’s foremost African drumming teachers. He tells Cade Lucas about his life in Maribyrnong.
What’s your connection to Maribyrnong?
I was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Australia as a teenager with my parents. I moved into my current house in Maidstone in 1997 and have lived here ever since.
What do you like about living/working here?
I like the multicultural feel and the diverse composition of the community. I also like the fact that we have access to a range of food and restaurants from Africa to Asia. When I walk around the suburbs I feel like I’m part of a “world” community.
What, if anything, would you change about the area?
I feel like Footscray Market could do with a facelift without changing its character too much and I’d like to see more organised community activity and arts in central Footscray.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
I spend a lot of time at Kindred Studios in Harris Street, Yarraville where I run my African drumming and dance classes and perform regularly. There’s always a buzz around Kindred with plenty of musicians and other artists, rehearsing and hanging out. It is a great space to hang out too. The cafe in the atrium, the band room at the front, are two of my favourites. I also like the local cafe’s. West 48 is a regular haunt of mine.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
Before I became a musician, I was a civil engineer when I graduated from university and one of my first jobs was the construction of the foundations of Hamer Hall. Then 15 to 20 years later I played in the concert hall on more than one occasion as a professional musician. I think I will claim this as a record. Helping build it and then performing there. Surely a unique feat.
