Broden Borg, 28, served as a Melton councillor for six years until he left for Dubai in 2014.
He’s back home for the next few weeks. He talks with Sumeyya Ilanbey.
What’s your connection to Melton?
I grew up here … I’ve got grandparents who live here.
Most of my family is here and all my close friends.
What was your favourite thing about living in Melton?
I loved that it was a big town but in a sense it had that small-town feeling.
When I used to walk down the old Woodgrove, I used to see at least 10 to 15 people [I knew].
Everyone’s friendly, having a chat.
What would you change about the area if you could?
If I was still on council and I could change the area, I would work on the beautification of the township.
I still think there’s a lot of work that needs to be done.
With such a huge percentage of youth in the town, they need access to entertainment.
If they don’t have access to entertainment, they’re going to get bored.
Every child [in Dubai] is engaged in some sort of extra curricular activity, whether it’s soccer, basketball, tennis, or jetskiing with their parents.
I’m aware those opportunities are available here, but my concerns are because the cost of living is so great, parents are working long hours and multiple jobs, they don’t have the time to take their children.
Where’s your favourite place to hang out in Melton?
Apart from the food outlets, I love the library.
Once the new library was built, I loved it.
And before that I enjoyed Navan Park – I used to go to walks there after teaching.
It was good to see the ducks and good to walk along the bridge.
Where was the first place you visited after coming back from Dubai?
The first place I visited was actually Thai Delight in Scott Street, Melton, to catch up with uni friends.
How has Melton changed since you’ve been away?
It’s gotten bigger. It’s grown exponentially … I think the infrastructure’s being left behind.
My understanding is a certain part of the railway has been duplicated, but that’s not enough.
And I haven’t heard of any discussion of on and off ramps at Bulmans Road.
Tell us a little about life in Dubai?
It’s just a different world. The people there are amazing – so kind, so generous.
Although, obviously, I haven’t grown up there, I haven’t been a part of that religion or culture, they made me feel extremely welcome.
And I feel very safe and secure there.
Compared to everything here, everything is big and grand.
I’m a short man so I feel like an ant usually, and over there I feel like I can’t even be seen.
Any plans to come back soon?
I just renewed my contract – that finishes in two years.
When it gets to that point, I’ll decide whether I’ll stay on or go to another country.
Or if I do move back to Australia, I’ll move back to Melton. There’s just something about here.
