By Ewen McRae
What is your connection to Brimbank?
I live here, and I’m actively part of our wonderful, vibrant, supportive community.
What do you like best about the area?
The open spaces, the beautiful Kororoit Creek and remaining natural grasslands, and the diversity and generosity of the people.
What could make the area better?
More trees. Less litter and rubbish dumping, and more trees. Lots more trees.
Where is your favourite place to go for a feed in Brimbank?
Hands down, Perth Avenue, Albion. Sadie Black is a foodie delight, awesome coffee. Vinh Nguyen Bakehouse does incredible vegan and vegetarian dishes; there are delicious donuts and polish delights from Mitko Deli, not to mention one of the few old-skool milkbars left in Melbourne.
Tell us about the Toy Library, how did it all start up?
When we moved to Brimbank, I really missed walking with my two year-old to our local toy library each week to swap her toys and have a play. I am an avid op-shopper so I started collecting toys with the aim of starting a toy library here. With a bit of initial newspaper publicity and good old social media, I collected some interested people and we formed the founding committee. The thing that really helped was that when we asked Albion Primary School for some space they said ‘yes’. We wouldn’t be here without that.
What’s the best thing about the past two years at the Toy Library?
Seeing the organisation achieve its purpose, to develop the sense of community in the area and provide a safe place to play and connect. I’ve made some fantastic friends here and I know many others have too. I love to see kids walk in and … head straight for the toys.
You’re in the middle of a month of activities for dads, why did you feel it was important to do that and how have the events gone?
We want to support local families to be healthy, functional and resilient. Parenting is a tough gig and we know that it can be hard for dads to develop the support networks that sometimes are easier for mums. We wanted to make sure dads feel welcome at the toy library and it’s a place they want to come and spend some time with their children and hopefully connect with other dads and families. Our breakfast was not as well-attended as we’d hoped but next year we’ll start it earlier so that working dads can still pop in. We’re expecting our pizza and “beer” night to be better attended. We hope to celebrate Dad’s Month every year, but it will of course depend on our venue.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I run the Albion Toy Library as a volunteer but my paid employment is as manager of the Melbourne Community Toy Library supported by the City of Melbourne.
