Caroline Springs resident Iris Du is an author, leadership strategist, human behaviour, and self-discovery and leadership coach. She spoke to Eddie Russell about her connection to the local community.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I’m a proud resident of Melton, a business owner, and a passionate community advocate. My journey to Australia began at 15 when I arrived from Hong Kong alone, without family, friends, or guidance. My parents’ sacrifices and their vision for a better future for me inspired this move. As an only child, they wanted to provide me with opportunities they never had — a safe environment to grow and thrive, building a brighter future for my own family.
Despite having to navigate a new country alone as a high school dropout, I was determined to embrace the opportunity my parents had given me. Their sacrifices paved the way for me to be here, and I am forever grateful.
What is your connection to Melton?
I live in Caroline Springs. The reason I moved here a few years ago was to start a family in a community that is very family-oriented and affordable. As a new mum, my partner Thai, our eight-month-old son Tyrus, and I have built our lives here. The sense of togetherness, the calming lakes, the beautiful parks, and the rapid growth of young families have made Melton an ideal place for us. Being involved in local community groups has helped me connect with local residents from all different walks of life, and I have grown to appreciate the community even more.
What do you like about where you live?
I love how family-oriented the whole suburb is. Everything I need is within a short distance, which is incredibly convenient. I love that I can access different council programs easily. As a new mum, I can easily access maternal and child health services. The library has become a favourite spot for me and my bub; we visit weekly, and it’s a great place to connect with other mums. Being a first-time mum with limited family support can be quite challenging, so these community resources are invaluable.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
I would love to have a safer community. It’s not just about having more police presence, but connecting the neighbourhood where everyone looks out for each other and empowering all of us to know we can all take part in it in various ways.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Definitely Lake Caroline. I moved very close to the lake because of its beauty. It’s a hidden gem that surprises all our friends and family members when they visit. I even did my engagement, newborn, and birthday photoshoots there — that’s how much I love it. I’ve also created a Mums and Bubs Lake Caroline walking group, where I get to walk around the lake with other mums and bubs weekly. As my little one grows, I’m looking forward to spending more time at the playground, creating even more meaningful friendships for him and myself.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
In 2022, I was selected to star in the ground-breaking TV show Adventure All-Stars, the world’s only socially conscious travel series that combines adventure and philanthropy to inspire others to make a difference, reaching nearly 200 million viewers across 195 countries. My commitment to philanthropy was highlighted through this experience, as I was recognised for raising over $10,000 in support of Project Karma, an Australian charity that fights child sexual abuse, exploitation, and online child sexual crime in Australia and Southeast Asia. The experience was transformative. We travelled to secret locations in Gippsland to uncover the best and most exciting experiences. Despite my fear of swimming, heights, and not knowing how to ride a bike, I participated fully and grew immensely from it. It was an unforgettable journey.
