Long-time Melton resident Teresa Butcher is the Lifestyle Brookfield Homeowners Committee vice president and has had a long history of community involvement – both in her professional career as a nurse and as a volunteer. Oscar Parry spoke with Teresa about her history with Melton and her work.
What is your connection to Melton?
I migrated from England in 1962, and my parents told us we were coming to Australia for a better life and we all had to have a career so I became a nurse, my sister a hairdresser and my brother a fitter and turner.
Then I worked in the hospital systems around Melbourne and met my first husband at the Royal Melbourne [Hospital]. He was a first intensive care ambulance paramedic … I met him there and we got married and had two girls. I continued to work in the hospital system. Then I got breast cancer and I started to do some private [work]. I worked for a doctor here and we set up a few clinics and revamped the theatres here for accreditation … I did all that sort of work.
What do you like about where you live?
I love living in the village. It’s secure, it’s safe .. there’s heaps to do … you’re never really lonely here.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
I think the violence in the area has gotten bad, and I feel sorry for the police because they go through this … then [the offenders are] on the street again.
Tell us a bit about your work in the community.
I’ve got cancer now. I’ve got Stage 4 breast cancer again. I live every day like it’s my last, and I make the most of everything. If I can do something to help somebody – that’s what I do.
What would be your message to someone who is considering becoming a volunteer?
If they want to do something to help in the community – don’t sit on your hands. Get into it and do it, because you’re helping someone else – and you never know, your help might be the change they need to turn themselves around.
