You can take the woman out of the country, but you’ll never take the country out of Dotty Hazell. She spoke to Esther Lauaki about her recent move from 40 acres in Bacchus Marsh to Melton suburbia.
What’s your connection to Moorabool?
My main connection is to Bacchus Marsh. I was a resident of Moorabool shire for 20 years until moving to Melton in December last year. My volunteer work encompasses both Melton and Bacchus Marsh communities.
What community groups are you part of?
I am a leader of Rovers for Derek Foden Rover crew, the 18 to 26 years section of scouting. The crew hosts members from Melton, Bacchus Marsh and Ballan Scout groups. I also work with a fantastic team on Bacchus Marsh EasterFest to raise funds for Djerriwarrh Health Services. I have been involved in many of my children’s sports on committees, including Bacchus Marsh West Golf Club junior program – coaching the children, organising dinner, raffles, an adult competition, prizes. I’ve also been involved with Bacchus Marsh Pony Club and been a Bacchus Marsh Soccer Club committee member and canteen co-ordinator.
You’re quite active in online community forums. Which ones are you involved in?
I have started a couple of online forums on Facebook, including Moorabool shire residents: Working Together, the Bacchus Marsh EasterFest page, and the latest, Waterford Melton South. It’s a great way to get your voice out there … and it’s a good way to keep up-to-date with what’s going on.
What makes you want to be involved in your community?
I love seeing people happy, and being part of local events, and groups allows me to help make this happen. Seeing the smiles on people, adults and children, make everything I do worthwhile. I am a very social person and like to be out and about, I like to do different things, and being fortunate enough to not have to work has afforded me the time.
Why is it important for people to get involved in the community, particularly young people?
I remember as a kid we all knew our neighbours, would talk to people down the street/shops, and these days people just don’t do this any more. They keep to themselves and there rarely is a time where people would feel comfortable going to the neighbours to ask for a jug of milk or some butter when they have run out. By getting involved with community you get to meet your neighbours and other people in the community.
By being involved at any age you learn to respect your community and the people in it, you take pride in knowing you are a part of something bigger … it’s going back to old roots of “love thy neighbour”.
What do you love about your community?
Most of my love is really for Moorabool seeing I have lived most of my life there (pretty much all of my adult life) – beautiful country so close to three major cities, everyone knows everyone.
