Mary Thang loves cooking Burmese food and showcasing her culture. She’s been involved in this year’s Melton Women Making It Happen campaign, and speaks here with Sumeyya Ilanbey.
What’s your favourite thing about living in Melton?
The thing I like about living in Melton is Djerriwarrh Health Services – they help us. When we first moved to Melton, we had no-one to rely on. But after meeting Nicola, a community health nurse, we got all the help we need.
What would you change about the area if you could?
I would like it if a hospital is built in Melton because when we are sick, travelling to Sunshine hospital is too far.
How did you get involved with the Melton Women Making It Happen campaign?
I got involved in the Melton Women Making It Happen campaign because when we have cultural festivals, us women do all the work, such as cooking, cleaning and decorating, where men don’t do anything because they work.
How important is staying active in the community to you?
It is very important to stay active in the community because communities such as Djerriwarrh Health Services, New Hope Foundation and Melton community have given us support, and I am very thankful.
You love to cook Burmese food – what does it symbolise to you?
I cook Burmese food because we are Burmese, and every time I cook it for my family, my kids will know about culture and background. I hope you like our Burmese food at Chin National Day.
How important are campaigns, such as these, that showcase the work of local women?
I believe that campaigns, such as Melton Women Making It Happen – that showcase the work of local women – are important …because it shows that women are just as equal as men.
